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Council approves fee-waiver policy for reciprocal intergovernmental work; member calls for clearer cost disclosure
Summary
Council approved waiving fees for jurisdictions with reciprocal agreements and discussed whether city departments should be charged; members sought future motions to disclose the dollar value of waived fees to clarify impacts on the general fund.
The Los Angeles City Council voted to waive certain administrative or permit fees for governmental agencies with reciprocal agreements after staff from the Bureau of Engineering explained the practice during debate on item 14.
Homer Morimoto, identified in the record as the Bureau of Engineering program manager for the item, explained that fee waivers normally apply to governmental entities with reciprocal agreements (for example County of Los Angeles Public Works, Caltrans, and the City of Glendale) and that some city departments are excluded from waivers by code, specifically proprietary departments such as the Library and Recreation and Parks. He told councilmembers that where other cities or agencies charge the city, Los Angeles charges them in return.
Councilmember Hernandez asked how much money was being waived and pressed for greater transparency about the fiscal impact. Morimoto estimated the fee waiver in this specific case would be approximately $3,000–$7,000 related to two parking projects, and Hernandez said he will return with motions asking staff to disclose waiver amounts on future items so the public can understand any burden on the general fund. The clerk announced the tally (11 ayes, 1 no) and the motion passed.
