Title
a. Receive a report to the proposed update to Article V-Park User Fees of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective May 29, 2025; and
b. Support a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to adopt a Resolution amending Article V of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution relating to the Parks User Fees for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective May 29, 2025, pursuant to the attached Article V.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Parks Commission:
a. Receive a report to the proposed update to Article V-Park User Fees of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective May 29, 2025; and
b. Support a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to adopt a Resolution amending Article V of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution relating to the Parks User Fees for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective May 29, 2025, pursuant to the attached Article V.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
County of Monterey (County) Master Fee Resolution-Article V-Parks User Fees (“Article V”) was last updated and became effective on April 8, 2021. A Summary of Proposed Changes is attached as Attachment A. The redlined version of Article V showing the recommended fees and changes is included in Attachment B. The proposed Article V-Park User Fees is attached as Attachment C. The Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) staff evaluated current park operations and reviewed the Article V as it pertains to use of facilities and access to parks.
Park fees are authorized by state law pursuant to Government Code, Section 50402. By definition, the changes to these fees are not a “tax” and are exempt from voter approval pursuant to Article XIII C, section 1(e), subpars. (1)-(5) of the California Constitution (Proposition 26, excepting certain fees and charges from the definition of “tax”). As such, they reflect no more than the actual cost of the service/benefit received by the payor. Proposed changes are designed to align Article V fees with other like agencies, while not exceeding, the actual and reasonable costs of services and benefits provided to the public.
Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio operate on seasonal basis and are more impacted by supply and demand than the County’s day-use parks. Article V camping, lodging and boating updates provide a range of fees giving more freedom to utilize dynamic pricing models, standard in the industry. Having set fees removes the ability to respond to market forces and capture as much revenue as possible to offset ever increasing operational expenses. While the demand for peak season dates is significantly higher, Article V currently removes the flexibility to properly capitalize on market conditions. Flexibility in pricing based on demand will allow the County to quickly adjust increase demand by offering lower rates, or increase revenue production during higher demand seasons, weekends, or holidays.
In 2023, the County executed a concession agreement with the Friends of Laguna Seca (FLS) for the operation and management of Laguna Seca Recreation Area (LSRA). FLS sets LSRA fees and will provide an annual list of fees to the Monterey Country Representative (currently, the Chief of Parks) for approval. As such, LSRA fees have been removed from the proposed Article V.
Staff requests the Parks Commission support a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors to adopt the Resolution (Attachment D) to amend existing fees and establish new fees in Article V to align park fees with like agencies. The amendment to Article V would become effective thirty (30) days after adoption; accordingly, the updated Article V-Parks User Fees would become effective May 29, 2025.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
PWFP staff will collaborate with the County Administrative Office and the Office of the County Counsel prior to submitting the proposed Article V for Board of Supervisors’ approval.
FINANCING:
PWFP-Parks consists of two operating units: 1) Park Operations, General Fund 001-Unit 8556, which includes day-use Park facilities (Toro Park, Manzanita Park, Royal Oaks Park, Jacks’ Peak Park, Travel Camp, San Lorenzo Park, Lake San Antonio, and Rifle and Pistol Range); and 2) Lake Operations, Enterprise Fund 452-Unit 8565 (Lake Nacimiento).
Prepared by: Dona Luna, Management Analyst II, (831) 755-5455
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - Summary of Proposed Changes & Additions to Article V-Parks User Fees
Attachment B - Proposed Parks User Fees - Redline
Attachment C - Proposed Article V-Parks User Fees
Attachment D - Draft Resolution