La Palma council adopts new user fee schedule to take effect Jan. 1, 2026

The La Palma City Council on Oct. 7 adopted a revised user fee schedule based on a cost‑allocation and fee study conducted by Revenue Cost Specialists (RCS). Deputy City Manager Joseph Cisneros told the council the study — finalized in August 2025 — reviewed the city’s most recent adopted budget and staffing levels and recommended fee adjustments to improve cost recovery while preserving affordability for selected community services.

Cisneros said the study identified opportunities to add fees for services previously provided at no charge, remove outdated fees and align certain development‑related fees for full cost recovery. The report recommends keeping some community programs, such as youth recreation and community center rentals, subsidized by council direction. The new fee schedule is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, and is projected to increase annual cost recovery by approximately $89,800.

Councilmember Vikesh Patel moved adoption of a resolution approving the user fee schedule; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Jenna Keogh Conklin and approved unanimously (Baker, Keogh Conklin, Vikesh Patel and Mayor Waldman voting aye; Mayor Pro Tem Nitesh Patel absent).

Why it matters: the update adjusts charges to better reflect the cost of delivering city services and reduces reliance on general fund subsidies for certain fee‑recoverable services. The council retained direction to preserve affordability for specified community programs.

Next steps: the new schedule becomes effective Jan. 1, 2026, and staff will begin implementing updated billing and invoicing procedures.