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Council adopts updated master fee schedule projected to raise up to $1.8 million annually
Summary
Council adopted revisions to Newark’s master fee schedule intended to increase cost‑recovery, provide targeted subsidies and take effect in two phases; the resolution passed unanimously.
The Newark City Council voted unanimously to adopt amendments to the city’s master fee schedule for fiscal year 2025 after a staff presentation outlining the changes and expected fiscal effects.
Finance Director Kristen Lee presented the proposal, explaining the updates result from a cost‑of‑services study and a drafted cost‑recovery policy framework. The changes use full burdened hourly rates to align user fees with the cost of delivering services and are intended to shift a larger share of service costs to direct beneficiaries while protecting access through targeted subsidies, Lee said.
Key details disclosed by staff included: projected additional revenue of up to approximately $1,800,000 annually; a reduction in the cost‑recovery gap identified in the study (a $9,000,000 gap referenced in staff materials); and phased effective dates. Items in Exhibit A will take effect immediately upon adoption; items in Exhibit B, including fire services and development‑related fees, were scheduled to take effect on Jan. 13, 2025, consistent with the 60‑day notice requirement noted in the staff report. Staff also described subsidies and exemptions intended to promote affordability and compliance: a 25% subsidy on appeal fees, 50% subsidies for fees affecting single‑family and low‑density residential properties, and a 50% subsidy for waiver fees related to reasonable accommodations under the zoning ordinance.
The staff report referenced results from the February 2024 cost‑of‑services study and noted council feedback provided in prior meetings. Eric Johnson of Revenue and Cost Specialists was available remotely during the hearing. After public testimony was invited and none was offered, Vice Mayor Freitas moved to accept staff’s recommendation; Councilmember Anna Apodaca seconded. The motion passed 5–0.
Why it matters: The fee updates aim to increase cost recovery for city services while reserving targeted subsidies so certain fees remain affordable. The changes will affect permit applicants, development projects and residents who directly use city services named in the schedule.
Speakers on the record for this item included Finance Director Kristen Lee and Vice Mayor Freitas.
