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HEARING - Agriculture, Weights and Measures Department recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 082-2025, replacing and superseding Resolutions 393-2006 and 022-2013, to adopt El Dorado County Agriculture, Weights & Measures Fee Schedule effective July 1, 2025.
FUNDING: Fees for Service.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Through County budget development for FY 2025/26, and Board direction for cost saving strategies, the Agriculture, Weights & Measures Department (Department) has reviewed billing rates for time and materials services and flat fees that have not been updated since 2013. The proposed fee increases will ensure the Department continues to meet cost recovery goals for the next budget cycle.
The Department provides a variety of services and is required to administer state-mandated programs. State statutes also authorize the recovery of program costs through fees established by resolution of the Board of Supervisors. The Department is requesting to increase the hourly fee charged for General Request for Service/materials from $60.00 to $85.00 for Licensed Staff time and $35.00 to $60.00 for Support Staff time.
The Department Fee schedule includes new annual registration fees for Certified Producer Certificate and Certified Farmer's Market. Increases are proposed for Pest Control Businesses and Farm Labor Contractors. Additional fees are an increase to Agricultural Commission Reviews and the new Administrative Permit to hold special events under the Ranch Marketing & Winery Ordinance, which are based on a time and material with a one-hour minimum. The fee increases for agricultural and weights and measures programs will increase revenues annually by approximately $15,000. This amount has been included in the FY 25/26 budget and is necessary to offset county costs for mandated programs. A summary of the Department's proposed fee changes and modifications can be found in Attachment C, Exhibit A.
Additionally, the department’s proposed fees have been developed through methodologies identified in the countywide fee study completed in 2025. The department has also posted the current and proposed fees on the department website and published a legal notice in the Mountain Democrat on June 6, 2025.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to adopt the proposed recommend fee changes and modifications for the amended ordinance and provide further direction. This action would not allow the Department to collect fees to recover the cost for services rendered.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
February 26, 2013, Resolution No. 022-2013 Legistar file 13-0159, the Board approved the Annual Device Administrative Fee as required by the State of California.
December 5, 2006, Resolution No. 393-2006 Legistar file 06-1842, the Board approved the fee increase.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed rates are based on a cost recovery analysis. The financial impact associated with the Agricultural side of fees will bring in an additional $8,000 and an additional $7,000 for the adjustment to the Weights and Measures Fees. The Agriculture Department has included these fees in the FY 25/26 Budget.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
1) Publish the Resolution Summary in the local newspaper no less than five (5) days prior to Final Passage.
3) Publish the Resolution within fifteen (15) days after its passage in a newspaper of general circulation published and circulated in the County following Final Passage.
4) Obtain the Chair's signature on Resolution XXX-2025 and forward one copy to the Agriculture Department, attention Myrna Tow for implementation.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
N/A
CONTACT
LeeAnne Mila, Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights & Measures
(530) 621-5520