City Looks at Fee Increases

Not sure if you're allowed to park in that spot? You may want to think twice about taking the chance.

During a public hearing tonight, the City Council will consider increasing city fees, including boosting fees for parking violations, such as blocking a driveway, from the current $20 or $30 fine to $35.

"We had zero increases last year," said San Ramon Police Chief Scott Holder. "These increases bring us in line with what other cities are charging. It's not a matter of making money. It's allowing us to recoup our costs."

Councilmembers will also consider staff recommendations to increase fees for police presence at special events and police response time in driving under the influence incidents.

Also under consideration are new fines for violating existing city ordinances including littering ($100), smoking in a park ($100), breaking curfew rules ($100), not wearing a helmet while skating at the skate park ($50) and having a bicycle at the skate park ($100).

Violators aren't the only ones who may be paying more. The city is also looking at upping the hourly rates to rent baseball and soccer fields from $5 to $6.40 an hour for youth sports organizations and the school district and from $10 to $12.80 an hour for adult sports organizations, residents and nonprofit organizations. Leaving the field a mess after the game could result in a new $125 charge.

If the City Council approves these new fee increases and fines, the changes will go into effect July 1.

See a complete list of fee and fine recommendations in the City Council agenda. The City Council meets tonight at 7 p.m. at 2222 Camino Ramon.