Title
Adopt a Resolution amending Article I.E. of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution effective July 1, 2024, to adjust fees relating to oversight and services provided by the Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Adopt a Resolution amending Article I.E. of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution effective July 1, 2024, to adjust fees relating to oversight and services provided by the Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau.
SUMMARY:
The Health Department’s Environmental Health Bureau (EHB) requests the Board of Supervisors (BOS) approval of a proposed 6% increase to EHB facility permitting fees, as set forth in Article I.E. of the Monterey County Fee Resolution, to be effective on July 1, 2024. The proposed increase is necessary to more closely recover the EHB’s cost of providing services while not exceeding the actual and reasonable cost.
DISCUSSION:
To keep pace with the cost of providing services, the EHB must adjust fees annually. The proposed 6% fee increase will more closely reflect, while still not exceeding, the actual and reasonable costs of services and benefits provided to the public by the EHB. Adoption of the proposed fees will contribute to the self-sufficiency of the programs within the EHB. Conversely, not implementing the fee adjustments would result in diminished cost recovery and potentially increased reliance on county funding.
An increase in fees for the Environmental Health Review Services (EHRS) program is not requested at this time.
By definition, the changes to these charges are not a ”tax” and are exempt from voter approval pursuant to Article XIII C section 1(e)(1)-(3) and (5) of the California Constitution (Prop. 26; charges imposed for specific benefit conferred/privilege/service or product, reasonable regulatory costs provided or granted to the payor, and/or fines and/or penalties). As such, they reflect no more than the actual cost of the service/benefit received by the payor.
The proposed fee adjustments are attached as follows: Attachment 1 - Redlined Article I.E. Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and Attachment 2 - Board Resolution with Article I.E. Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
This work supports the County of Monterey Health Department 2018-2024 Strategic Plan Goal(s): 2) To enhance community health and safety through prevention and; 4) Engage MCHD workforce and improve operational functions to meet current and developing population health needs. It also supports three of the ten essential public health services, specifically, 2) diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community; 3) inform, educate, and empower people about health issues; and 6) enforce laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
County Counsel has reviewed, and approved as to legal form, the proposed amendment to Article I.E. of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution.
FINANCING:
The recommended fee adjustments are intended to maintain the recapture of a portion of the costs associated with the provision of the indicated services, and do not exceed actual costs for providing these services. If approved, the anticipated revenues resulting from the proposed fee adjustments will be included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-25 Requested Budget (001-4000-HEA005).
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Check the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives:
☐ Economic Development:
• Through collaboration, strengthen economic development to ensure a diversified and healthy economy.
☐ Administration:
• Promote an organization that practices efficient and effective resource management and is recognized for responsiveness, strong customer orientation, accountability and transparency.
☒ Health & Human Services:
• Improve health and quality of life through County supported policies, programs, and services; promoting access to equitable opportunities for healthy choices and healthy environments in collaboration with communities.
☐ Infrastructure:
• Plan and develop a sustainable, physical infrastructure that improves the quality of life for County residents and supports economic development results.
☐ Public Safety:
• Create a safe environment for people to achieve their potential, leading businesses and communities to thrive and grow by reducing violent crimes as well as crimes in general.
Prepared by: Robin Kimball, Management Analyst III, 796-1297
Approved by:
__________________________Date___________________
Elsa Mendoza Jimenez, Director of Health Services, 755-4526
Attachments:
Board Report
1. Redlined Article I.E. Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25
2. Board Resolution (proposed) with Article I.E. Master Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2024-25