DATE: November 4, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Supervisor Garry Bredefeld, District 2
Supervisor Nathan Magsig, District 5
Steven E. White, Director of Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Amendment to Master Schedule of Fees and Ordinance Code - Public Works & Planning
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
1. Conduct first hearing to amend the Fresno County Master Schedule of Fees, Charges and Recovered Costs Ordinance by amending Section 1500 - Parks and Recreation, waive reading of the Ordinance in its entirety and set a second hearing for November 18, 2025;
2. Conduct first hearing to amend the Fresno County Ordinance Code, Title 13 Roads, Parks, Other Public Places, Chapter 13.16 Parks and Recreation Areas, section 13.16.080 Vehicle entrance fee, waive reading of the Ordinance entirely and set the second hearing for November 18, 2025;
3. Designate County Counsel to prepare fair and adequate summaries of the proposed Ordinances; and
4. Direct the Clerk of the Board to post and publish the required summaries in accordance with Government Code, Section 25124(b)(1).
REPORT
Approval of the first recommended action would revise the existing Master Schedule of Fees (MSF), Charges, and Recovered Costs which will update the fee description under section 1501(d) to state Veterans and active-duty service members, and revise section 1503(a) and (b) to eliminate the vehicle entrance fee for United States Veterans and active-duty service members at all Fresno County managed parks. Approval of the second recommended action would revise the Fresno County Ordinance Code to reflect the vehicle entrance fee exemption for Veterans and active-duty service members. The recommended amendments will update the MSF and the Ordinance Code, and grant Veterans and active-duty service members with free vehicle entry to County parks year-round upon proof of status as a Veteran or active-duty service member. Approval of the recommended actions will recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of the men and women who serve and have served in our Armed Forces, while promoting wellness and access to County open and recreational amenities. This item is countywide.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may direct staff to use the current fees or propose alternative initiatives for your Board to honor our Veterans and active-duty service members.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no increase in Net County Cost associated with the recommended actions. It is anticipated that the recommended exemption will promote wellness and increase open space and park accessibility by our Veterans and active-duty service members. To ensure this initiative does not have a negative impact on the Department of Public Works and Planning’s Park and Recreations Division (Department), the Department will monitor revenues received in park fees collected to ensure full cost recovery is achieved through the Department’s Parks and Grounds Org 7910 FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Any unbudgeted costs associated with the implementation of this initiative will be assessed by the Department and accounted for in the Department’s future budgets.
DISCUSSION:
Fresno County has long recognized the importance of supporting our Veterans and active-duty service members and ensuring they are given meaningful opportunities to enjoy community resources. Currently, Veterans and active-duty service members are required to pay a vehicle entrance fee when visiting County managed parks, which may pose a financial barrier and diminish accessibility for those who have already given so much in service to our nation.
Veterans comprise approximately 3.4% of Fresno County’s population, or about 34,000 individuals according to the latest Census. Likewise, based on the County’s Veterans Services Office estimates there are approximately 1,700 active-duty service members that reside within Fresno County. Currently, the Department tracks daily vehicle entries based on user rates received through the day. The Department contracts with a vendor for the collection of park vehicle entry fees during peak seasonal usage, however there is no current tracking method to detail park usage by our Veterans nor active-duty service members. In the first year of this initiative, it is anticipated that vehicle entrance fee revenues may be reduced by approximately $21,000, based on approximately 4,000 Veterans, and approximately 200 active-duty service members visiting Fresno County parks any time throughout the year. Approval of this item will provide discretion for the Department to establish methods to track and monitor number of vehicle entries at Fresno County managed parks that benefit our Veteran and active-duty service members.
By eliminating the vehicle entrance fee, Fresno County will:
• Demonstrate a tangible commitment to honoring Veterans, active-duty service members and their families.
• Increase access to outdoor spaces that support health, wellness, and quality of life.
• Align with practices in other jurisdictions that have established similar benefits and appreciation for Veterans and active-duty service members.
Approval of the recommended actions grant Veterans and active-duty service members free vehicle entry at the following Fresno County managed parks:
• Avocado Lake Park
• Choinumni Park
• China Creek Park
• Courthouse Park
• Kearney Park
• Kings River Green Belt Park
• Laton-Kingston Park
• Los Gatos Creek Park
• Lost Lake Recreation Area
• Skaggs Bridge Park
• Thornburn Access Park
• Winton Park
Approval of the recommended actions will reflect the County’s gratitude toward those who defend and have defended our freedoms and ensure that Fresno County parks remain open, welcoming, and accessible to the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military.
Veterans and active-duty service members must present a commonly accepted form of documentation of Veteran or active-duty status at time entry at any of the listed park locations to ensure the integrity and the success of the program.
The cost assumptions and methodology were reviewed and approved by Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector to ensure compliance with applicable fiscal policies and cost recovery requirements. The adopted methodology reflects a reasonable estimate of anticipated program costs for FY 2025-2026 and will be re-evaluated following the close of FY 2025-2026 to assess alignment with actual expenditures.
If the recommended actions are approved by your Board, the second hearing for both Ordinances will be set for November 18, 2025. If your Board adopts the recommended amendment to the Master Schedule of Fees and the Ordinance Code at the second hearing, the adopted rates will take effect on December 18, 2025.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
Ordinance (MSF)
Attachment A - MSF Change Comparison
Attachment B - Fresno County Park Location Map
On file with Clerk - Summary of Ordinance (MSF)
Ordinance (Chapter 13.16)
On file with Clerk - Summary of Ordinance (Chapter 13.16)
CAO ANALYST:
George Uc