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Council adopts first reading changes to Chapter 24 fees covering parks, fire marshal and EMS standby rates
Summary
On first reading, the council adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the city code to update fees for Parks and Recreation, fire marshal services and EMS standby rates and to remove a police false‑alarm fee reference from Chapter 24 (now located in Chapter 15). The intention is to align fees with regional comparators and cover rising costs.
The Victoria City Council approved on first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 24 of the city code to update a range of municipal fees for Parks and Recreation, the Fire Marshal's Office and EMS standby services; the item also removes a police false‑alarm fee reference from Chapter 24, as that fee is now located in Chapter 15.
Fire Marshal Bill (presented as the department speaker) told the council the fire marshal's fees had not been updated in five years and were among the lowest in the region; staff proposed adjustments to align the city with comparable municipalities. He said there were a large number of specific fee line items under consideration but chose not to list them all at the meeting and invited council questions.
The fire marshal also described EMS standby fees, which had not been adjusted in roughly eight years. He said current standby charges were below the cost of providing the service and recommended modest increases — roughly $10 above current fees — to better cover operating costs while avoiding substantial profit generation.
City staff opened and closed the required public hearing with no members of the public speaking to the ordinance, then a councilmember moved to adopt the ordinance on first reading and the council approved the motion by voice vote.
The ordinance will return for the required subsequent reading(s) before taking final effect. Councilmembers were told the changes aim to modernize rates, improve cost recovery and keep the city’s fee schedule competitive with peer jurisdictions.
