Building Fee Hike Is Unfair Burden

The Board of Supervisors votes to increase the cost of building and planning permits to “cover county costs,” and the deputy director of resource management is “surprised nobody testified” against the fee increases.

After so many years of being paid whether he actually does anything or not, it probably never occurred to Steve Riley that the people most affected by these increases--architects, contractors and home owners/buyers--were too busy busting their butts trying to “cover the costs” of home buying and ownership. Even if they could have taken the time to address the board, they realize the futility--knowing it’s a rare day when the board turns down a chance to raise taxes and fees simply because taxpayers oppose them.

Supervisor John Flynn insists that “the public has to understand that somebody has to pay the bill.” Oh, the public understands this all right, and some realize exactly who that “somebody” is.

Sadly, though, not enough of Mr. Flynn’s public is fed up with having to “cover” the yearly cost of living adjustments that are doled out to the employees union members, only to get so little in return.

BRUCE ROLAND

Ojai