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Board trims environmental‑health consumer fees after public concerns; $72K contingency used
Summary
Following earlier fee increases that drew public criticism, Tuolumne County supervisors approved reduced environmental health consumer‑protection fees Nov. 4, decreasing expected departmental revenue by about $72,019 and directing contingency funds to cover the shortfall.
The Board of Supervisors on Nov. 4 approved a reduction in several environmental health and consumer protection fees after county staff reviewed earlier large increases and proposed a smaller, phased approach.
Staff said some consumer‑protection fees implemented in 2024 had increased sharply — in a few cases more than 300 percent — and that the board had asked staff to revisit those charges. County administrators proposed a recalculation that applies more modest increases (a baseline 12.45 percent adjustment was used in the recommendation), and operational changes to reduce inspection workloads where multiple facilities are inspected in a single visit. The county estimates the adjustment reduces Community Development Department fee revenue by approximately $72,019.14; the board approved offsetting the reduction with contingency funds.
Supervisors who had convened prior public meetings on the issue welcomed the change and said it should help small businesses and seasonal operators. The motion was approved unanimously.
