City Council Eyes Overhaul of 2025 Master Fee Schedule: Key Additions and Revisions Ahead

On Tuesday, the Lake Havasu City Council is set to consider significant updates to the city’s master fee schedule. This decision follows a comprehensive review aimed at refining fees and service charges, with eight key revisions proposed for the upcoming 2025 schedule.

The current fee schedule was established last November and took effect on January 1 of this year. While reviews typically occur on an annual basis, the last extensive review happened in 2021, highlighting the need for adjustments based on evolving service demands.

Among the 27 proposed changes, some fees would see increases while others decrease. Council communications indicate that these adjustments stem from an evaluation of service provision efficiency, associated costs, and time—which are vital for delivering each service effectively.

To ensure competitive pricing, the city analyzed market rates, confirming that its charges align with regional standards. A notable amendment pertains to the “Public Safety Electronic Media Reproduction” service, now influenced by Arizona statutes. Under the law, the city may impose a fee of up to $46 per video-hour for public records requests from law enforcement agencies, excluding victims who receive one copy of the body camera footage for free.

Additionally, the city plans to revise the “cost-to-recover” model for several fees, particularly for Parks and Recreation services. For instance, the fee for the Teen Break program would shift from a flat rate of $43 per person to a model based on actual costs divided by the number of participants, reflecting a more equitable approach to pricing.

Moreover, adjustments will be made to the processing fees for business licenses and training classes, with several categories projected to increase recovery rates to “up to 100%.”

The City Council’s meeting will commence at 5:30 p.m. at 92 Acoma Blvd., where these changes will be voted on and discussed.