Cal Fire and Tehama County Fire staff made a presentation Tuesday in support of raising inspection fees and a study session has been set for March 19. Fire Marshal Brian DeSmet and Assistant Chief Matt Chamblin spoke of the need to update the fee, which has not been changed since 1992. The new rate proposed is $108 per hour, up from the existing rate of $32 per hour.
“Even if it were to come before the board in late March (for data acceptance), it wouldn’t be for public hearing until April and we’d be looking at May to set the fee, so the fee would be set with time for people not to be surprised,” said Chief Administrator Bill Goodwin.
With an average of 500 projects per year, including new homes, large commercial projects, underground fire mains and new daycare or residential care facilities, the amount recovered through existing fees does not cover costs, DeSmet said.