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Sterling updates Master Fee Schedule; staff to study broader business registration
Summary
The City Commission approved updates to the Master Fee Schedule for 2026 covering park reservations, special event permits, animal control and permit fees; staff noted more substantial changes, including a possible universal business registration, will require further research.
The Sterling City Commission on March 2 approved a resolution updating the city’s Master Fee Schedule as part of its annual review.
City Manager Ian Hutcheson explained the schedule, required by Chapter 1, Article 9 of the City Code, lists all fees and charges assessed by the city. The recommended 2026 updates include new or revised fees for park facility reservations, special event permits, dogs/cats at large enforcement, right-of-way cuts and building/construction permits. Hutcheson said the changes are expected to generate a modest revenue increase.
Hutcheson noted that several larger potential policy changes—most prominently the creation of a universal business-registration/licensing system requiring all for-profit enterprises to register and pay fees—will require additional time and research. The city currently requires registration for some business types but not universally. Commissioners discussed adding language to permit the City Manager to waive fees in certain cases and asked staff to return with further analysis if broader licensing is proposed.
The commission approved the resolution 5-0. Hutcheson said staff will implement the updated schedule and can present additional research to the commission if directed.
