As part of a general cost recovery strategy, local governments adopt user fees to fund services provided or required due to the request or action of and individual or entity.  A fee for service ensures that an individual or entity bears most, if not all, of the cost incurred by the City to provide that service. User and regulatory fees are set according to the estimated reasonable cost of service.

When a fee does not fully cover the cost for service another City revenue source subsidizes the cost — in most cases, the General Fund. Updating user fees helps reduce the need for General Fund subsidy which would increase the revenues that can be used for services and activities available to all Novato community members, such as public safety and improvements to city streets which are paid for with tax dollars.

Staff Report: Fee Schedule Update (May 24, 2022)

Presentation: User and Regulatory Fee Update (May 24, 2022)

City Council Meeting Recording (May 24, 2022)