Board adopts annual fee ordinance but preserves low farmers‑market charges and holds passport‑photo increase

Shasta County adopted its annual master fee ordinance Dec. 9 after public hearings and department presentations that drew farmers, market organizers and county staff.

Auditor‑Controller Nelda (Nolda) Short presented the master fee list and explained the new 60‑day effective period for fees. Agriculture Commissioner John Ingram said a full cost study shows the certified‑producer certificate (CPC) and certified‑farmers‑market registrations recover far less than full cost (full‑cost estimates were $285 per CPC and $709 per market), but recommended keeping rates low ($20 CPC; $50 per market) because higher charges would threaten small growers and local markets. Growers and market operators testified that low fees help sustain small, local producers and the charitable donations they make to local service organizations.

County staff said the passport‑photo service administered by the county clerk carries a full‑cost estimate near $35; the clerk proposed holding the passport‑photo fee at $22 while working to identify operational efficiencies. After debate, the board adopted the ordinance and approved the following exceptions: maintain the certified‑producer and certified‑farmers‑market fees at current modest levels and allow the county clerk to keep the passport‑photo fee at $22 for now; the board directed the county clerk and ROV to return with proposed efficiency measures and updated worksheets within 30 days. The ordinance passed on a roll call that recorded a 3‑2 vote on the package of adjustments and exceptions.