REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
March 24, 2026
FROM
DAN MUNSEY, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, San Bernardino County Fire Protection District
SUBJECT
Title
Introduction of Fiscal Years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 Proposed San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Fee Ordinance
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District:
1. Conduct a public hearing on the proposed ordinance repealing Ordinance No. FPD 25-01 and establishing fees for the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District as shown on the attached Fiscal Years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29 Fee Schedule (Attachment A).
2. Make alterations, if necessary, to the proposed ordinance.
3. Approve introduction of proposed ordinance.
• An ordinance of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District to repeal Ordinance No. FPD 25-01 and to establish fire service fees, fire suppression, emergency response and cost recovery fees, ambulance service and subscription fees for Fiscal Years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29.
4. SCHEDULE ORDINANCE FOR FINAL ADOPTION ON TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026, on the Consent Calendar.
(Presenter: Dan Munsey, Fire Chief/Fire Warden, 387-5779)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Improve County Government Operations.
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
Foster Sustainable Development Through Strategic Partnerships.
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of these actions will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost). San Bernardino County Fire Protection District (SBCFPD) fees, as listed on the attached fee schedule (Attachment A), are projected to generate approximately $16.5 million in revenue for 2026-27 to recover the cost of providing services. Revenue related to the fees will be included in the 2026-27 recommended budget and future recommended budgets for SBCFPD. Net impact on revenue from the various recommended changes included in the proposed Fee Ordinance is expected to be negligible.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The SBCFPD Fee Ordinance is submitted annually to the Board of Directors (Board) for approval. Beginning this year, SBCFPD proposes implementing a multi-year Board approval cycle to establish fees for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29, in accordance with the County’s multi-year cycle for Board approval. The following is a summary of significant recommended fee changes:
Community Safety:
• Revision to 252 Community Safety fees with a standard fee inflator of 3% implemented for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29. This change provides time for more in-depth analysis of Community Safety fees.
Hazardous Materials:
• Revision to 72 Hazardous Materials fees with a standard fee inflator of 3% implemented for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29. This change provides time for more in-depth analysis of Hazardous Materials fees.
Administrative Services:
• Revision to 3 Administrative fees with a standard fee inflator of 3% implemented for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29. This change provides time for more in-depth analysis of Administrative fees.
Cost Recovery:
• Revision to 19 existing Employee Classification Hourly Rate fees with a standard fee inflator of 3% implemented for fiscal years 2026-27, 2027-28, and 2028-29. This change provides time for more in-depth analysis of Cost Recovery fees.
Ambulance Subscription Fees & Ambulance Service Fees:
• Deletion of 6 Ambulance Subscription fees is recommended to consolidate all Ambulance Operating Area fees into one fee.
Paramedic Pre-Hospital Stabilization:
• Deletion of the Paramedic Pre-Hospital Stabilization Fee/Section is recommended as there are no associated recoverable costs.
Household Hazardous Waste:
• Deletion of 3 Disposal Site fees is recommended for consolidation as the rate is the same, regardless of vehicle type.
SBCFPD ensures that the recommended fee amounts comply with Proposition 26. Proposition 26 generally requires fees not to be higher than the cost of the activity and/or service provided unless an exception applies as indicated in the proposition.
The proposed fee ordinance will go into effect 30 days after adoption but the effective date of any new fees is July 1, 2026, following adoption by the Board on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Rick Luczak, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on March 5, 2026; and County Finance and Administration (Ivan Ramirez, Administrative Analyst, 387-4020) on March 10, 2026.