Association Lone Opposition to Fee Increase by SJVAPCD

The Association testified this past week in opposition to a proposed increase in fees to permit holders in the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD).  The SJVAPCD is proposing a 4.8% increase in 2018/2019 and a 4.6% increase I 2019/2020.   This will affect permit application fees, permit renewal fees and permit processing fees.  The SJVAPCD held fast to their claim to have the lowest fees of any of the large air districts, and to have the most cost effective permitting program among all air districts as evidenced through independent audits.  The Association was the only organization to speak in opposition to the proposed fees increases at a workshop held this week.  Association President/CEO Roger Isom recognized the District’s efforts to streamline their programs, but questioned the District on several aspects of their proposal.  First, Isom pointed out that while SJVAPCD fees might be lower compared to large air districts like the South Coast and Bay Area Air Quality Management Districts, they are significantly higher than all of the rural districts like the Yolo/Solano, Feather River and Mojave Desert Air Quality Management Districts and all of the County Air Pollution Control Districts in the Sacramento Valley.  Isom also pointed out that the SJVAPCD had the highest hourly permit processing rate amongst the rural districts, and the second highest permit renewal fee.  Isom further pointed out that this fee increase follows the last fee increase by the SJVAPCD in 2016, less than two (2) years ago!  Finally, Isom simply stated “Our members are being Fee’d to death.  We cannot pass along the cost, and every agency wants to keep increasing their fees.  While we appreciate the District’s efforts to minimize the fee increase, enough is enough!”