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Board approves routine public‑works fee reports and ordinances after hearings; supervisors stress transparency
Summary
The Los Angeles County Board approved a package of annual sewer, garbage and related service‑fee reports and ordinances on June 23 after public hearings. Supervisors asked Public Works for clearer outreach, regularized fee updates and tighter franchise oversight.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on June 23 approved a series of public‑works items — including annual sewer and garbage service‑fee reports and ordinances for multiple sanitation and garbage districts — following presentations by Department of Public Works staff and public comment.
Department officials said recent fee studies and a cash‑flow analysis supported the proposed increases and phased adjustments, explaining that some districts had not seen fee updates in nearly two decades. "The fees cover the cost to run the program," said CID Tesoro, deputy director, describing the department’s approach to setting rates and a 5% administrative allowance for program management.
Supervisors pressed staff on methodology, outreach and the cadence of studies. "We were negligent not raising fees on a more regular basis," an official conceded, explaining a larger initial increase was necessary to restore cash‑positive operations after long intervals without adjustments. Supervisor Janice Hahn and others said residents should expect stronger contract monitoring of franchise haulers and clearer public information about how fee revenue is used to maintain service levels.
Public commenters urged greater transparency about how fees are allocated and expressed concern about increases amid broader cost pressures. The board approved the items by recorded roll calls; votes on the various ordinances and fee reports were recorded as passed (roll calls and item numbers were read aloud during the meeting). Officials said follow‑up will include implementing the new schedules, continuing community outreach and providing periodic implementation reports to the board.
The board also approved other routine administrative items during the session and moved into closed session later in the day.
Votes at a glance - Urgency/agenda additions: approved (see separate emergency action) - Items 1–6 (sewer and garbage fee reports and ordinances): approved by roll call (unanimous recorded votes) - Administrative items 8 and 11A: approved (unanimous recorded votes)
The board asked Public Works to continue direct outreach in affected neighborhoods, maintain transparent public notices about franchise contracts and to supply follow‑up reports on implementation.
