Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sahuarita council adopts broad fee schedule update; major increases delayed to July
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance 2024‑176 updating community development, public works, parks and ballot argument fees with staggered effective dates; staff said 13 fee line items increase by 50% or more and several fees were eliminated or consolidated.
The Town of Sahuarita council voted to adopt Ordinance 2024‑176, a multi‑phase revision to the town fee schedule that standardizes per‑hour rates, consolidates several tiers, and stages effective dates so some large increases take effect July 1, 2025.
Nathan Barrett, community development deputy director, told the council the package is the "final phase, of fee adjustments for now," and explained staff used a three‑leg reasonableness test (regional comparables, staff time, and alignment with general cost increases). Barrett said public notice fees will be folded into base fees and that 13 line items will increase by 50% or more while nine line items will be eliminated.
Key elements discussed on the record included: raising the specific plan maximum fee from $35,000 to $50,000 (the per‑acre fee would increase to $100/acre but a maximum would trigger on larger plans); replacing a tiered sign permit structure with a flat $150 sign fee; a two‑phase Conditional Use Permit fee with a base fee and an hourly add‑on for projects that require extra staff time; and standardizing per‑hour review rates at $80 an hour. Barrett explained staggered effective dates: parks & rec and ballot argument fees effective Jan. 1, 2025; many community development and public works fees effective March 1, 2025; and sections with at least one fee increasing by more than 50% to take effect July 1, 2025.
During the discussion council members pressed staff on minimum billing increments, how sign fees were calculated (staff estimated permit intake and review averages of 2–3 hours), and the potential affordability impacts on small businesses and homebuilders. Brendan Lyons of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association spoke in favor of staff outreach and said SAHBA was "not in opposition of the proposal tonight" while urging continued efforts to protect housing affordability.
A motion to adopt Ordinance 2024‑176 "with amendments as stated on the record tonight" passed by voice vote; the council did not record a roll‑call tally during the voice vote. The ordinance text and fee schedule were referenced during the meeting; staff said letters of support from local stakeholders (MPA/SAHBA) were included in the council packet and that the staggered effective dates were intended to give stakeholders time to adjust.
