Proposed fee increases for lobbyists who register with the city of San Diego were given a tentative go-ahead Wednesday by the City Council’s Budget Committee.
For the last seven years, the city has charged lobbyists $40 annually, plus $15 per client. The fees would be increased to $150 a year, plus $30 per client, with a pro-rated amount for those who register after Oct. 1 in a given year, if granted final approval by the full City Council.
The Budget Committee voted unanimously in favor of the increases.
Lobbying firms with multiple lobbyists would have to pay the registration amount for each lobbyist, according to City Clerk Elizabeth Maland, who has been developing the proposed fee structure since the beginning of the year.
The rates reflect city costs, along with projected savings once an online payment system kicks in, Maland said.
The city of San Diego’s current fees rank 12th among municipalities in California that charge the fee, according to a study by the clerk’s office. San Francisco, which charges $500 a year, is the highest. Los Angeles is third at $450.
If the proposed fee structure is implemented, San Diego would move up to a tie for fifth with Oceanside, which also charges a $150 annual registration fee.
—City News Service
