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Board approves 2.3% fire impact fee increase after public hearing; Williams votes no
Summary
After public hearings and objections about insufficient outreach, the Solano County Board approved a 2.3% increase to fire impact fees for Suisun, Vacaville, Cordelia and Dixon fire protection districts; one supervisor dissented citing a need for more public outreach.
The Solano County Board of Supervisors voted to increase fire protection impact fees by 2.3% for four fire protection districts following public hearings and staff presentations explaining the calculation method linked to the California Construction Cost Index (CCCI).
Anne Putney, principal management analyst, explained the methodology and said the 2.3% increase equates to a $0.03–$0.09 per‑square‑foot change depending on district and unit type. "The index increase that will be applicable to 2026 fees is 2.3%," Putney said, and presented attachment tables that break fees down by residential and non‑residential categories (Anne Putney, staff presentation).
Public commenters urged more outreach and questioned basing county fees on large urban indices. Leanne Stubblefield and several residents said the increases add to the cost burden for rebuilding homes after the LNU fires and urged the board to offer waivers or special treatment for legacy owners and fire‑impacted parcels.
Supervisor Williams voted against the action, saying the public hearing process did not sufficiently reach affected valley residents and recommending additional outreach. The motion to approve the 2.3% increase for Suisun and Vacaville passed 4‑1; the full approval for Cordelia and Dixon later that day was also approved 4‑1 with Williams dissenting.
What the vote means: Fees are one‑time charges typically collected when construction permits are pulled; the board and county staff said the increases maintain capital funding for capital improvements needed to sustain service levels as development occurs. Staff said the increases would be effective Feb. 10, 2026, if approved through the county board process.
