Outreach Meetings Scheduled to Discuss Environmental Health Fees

In an effort to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance, the Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency is offering open forums countywide to discuss Environmental Health permit fees and inspection experiences.

The permit fees are generally geared towards event organizers; non-profit event coordinators; caterers; restaurant owners; mobile food vendors; temporary food vendors; and business leaders.

The goal of these meetings is for vendors, organizers, and community leaders to share their views and participate in an on-going process of designing a fee structure that works for Tulare County and complements the permits required by the California Health & Safety Code.

“HHSA realizes there needs to be some pivotal changes so that permit fee structures will be accessible and yield a better business climate in Tulare County,” said Dr. Cheryl Duerksen, Agency Director. “We hope business and community leaders will come to the table as HHSA seeks to better understand the needs of the business community.”

All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. -7:30 p.m. at the dates and places designated below:

District 1 – Thursday, July 25, Exeter Hometown Emporium
District 2 – Thursday, July 11, Tulare Chamber of Commerce, Tulare Trade Room
District 3 – Wednesday, July 31, Visalia Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Board Room
District 4 – Thursday, August 8, Dinuba Recreation Department
District 5 – Thursday, August 15, Porterville City Council Chambers

These meetings will give HHSA a more complete picture of what type of fee structure will work for Tulare County, provide an opportunity for HHSA to present basic information on current permit requirements, and build a better governance and business climate in Tulare County. Comments and questions can be directed to fee@tularehhsa.org and 559-624-7439.

The Board of Supervisors voted to set current permit fees to the 2012 level of $326.00 and refund checks have been issued to vendors who overpaid for the year. If vendors believe they overpaid, they can submit their names to Environmental Health staff to begin the one-week process.