Board continues master fee schedule hearing after members raise questions about CPI and fee complexity

Deputy Chief Administrative Officer Casey Moreno presented proposed updates to Lake County’s Master Fee Schedule on April 28, describing CPI‑based adjustments and changes required by state or federal law.

Supervisors pressed staff on the methodology. "From a layman perspective, walking into a list like this is one of the most overwhelming things to ever lay eyes on," Supervisor Sabatier said, arguing the county should consider hourly‑rate options rather than numerous percentage‑based line items. Supervisor Owen also flagged large increases in behavioral‑health fees and requested supporting documentation for specific jumps.

Moreno said the county will engage a consultant to review Community Development Department fee calculations and that state‑mandated increases (for example, certain behavioral‑health fees tied to Department of Health Care Services rates) were applied where required. Because a vote could not be taken — the final resolution was not uploaded to the meeting packet — the board agreed to continue the public hearing to May 5 at 10:45 a.m. and requested a deeper conversation with staff and the consultant about simplification and justification for large increases.

Why this matters: Changes to the Master Fee Schedule affect developers, businesses and residents who must pay county fees for permits and services. Supervisors said opaque fee calculations can deter development and make it difficult for residents to estimate project costs.

What’s next: The board continued the hearing to May 5; supervisors requested additional justification for large line‑item increases and a consultant review of fee methodology.