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Hayward adopts fiscal-year 2025-26 master fee schedule; councilors ask clarifying questions about select fees
Summary
Council unanimously adopted the FY 2025-26 master fee schedule and fine-and-bail schedule on April 1. Council members asked staff about housing in-lieu fee changes, new building-permit review entries, library "library of things" replacement rules and street-sweeping enforcement procedures.
The Hayward City Council on April 1 adopted a resolution approving the fiscal year 2025-26 master fee schedule, including updated fines and bail schedules. The vote was unanimous.
Council members used the public hearing to ask staff clarifying questions about several line items in the schedule. Councilmember Sanders asked why the housing in-lieu fee decreased slightly; Development Services staff explained the fee is indexed to an engineering/construction cost index (Engineering News-Record) and that this year the index declined by 0.3%. Councilmember Sanders also asked about newly listed building permit review fees; staff said those fees reflect a clearer, itemized way to recover staff time and are consistent with common practice in other jurisdictions.
Members asked about the library's "library of things" fees. Library staff said items are tracked like other library materials with RFID and bar codes; overdue items move to lost-item replacement charges if not returned and the city charges for irreparably damaged items.
Several council members raised concerns about street-sweeping citations and enforcement. Staff said the maintenance division has worked with individual residents and that outreach and clearer grievance/contact information would be provided to reduce surprises for residents who receive citations.
Councilmember Sir Menuho (Cermeno) and others noted city communication about fees could be improved and asked staff to ensure residents receive clear notice about enforcement timelines and procedures.
Ending
The fee schedule passed unanimously. Staff will publish the new schedule online and incorporate clarifying outreach on the specific items discussed, including street sweeping and library-item replacement rules.
