There is a great article in the Daily News by Judy O’Rourke entitled “City considers raising fees for nonresidents: City considers dual-tier program fees”. To read it just click on the link: http://www.dailynews.com/santaclarita/ci_3629083
I don’t agree with Frank Ferry’s proposed dual-tier program for Park fees for several reasons. First, non-city residents are spending a tremendous amount of money within the City of Santa Clarita which is generating sales tax dollars to the city. One only needs to look at auto row! It would be a slap in the face to the residents of the unincorporated areas who are shopping locally. The sales tax dollars that are generated more than offset the park use issues.
Second, the proposed fees could not be instituted at former county parks. Any city park that was a county park prior to the City of Santa Clarita being incorporated could not have a dual fee system. The County will fight any attempt to do so!
Finally, it is important to point out the County Tax Payers are subsidizing the Sheriff Services for the City of Santa Clarita. If the City wants to be petty about park fees than I would think that the County should make sure that all contracted services that the County is supling the City are being charged for fully.
Once again the City of Santa Clarita is taking the role of antagonist and no surprise it is being driven by Frank Ferry. As a reminder, several years ago Frank Ferry came to a West Ranch Town Council meeting and told our community that if we didn’t annex into the City of Santa Clarita they (the city) would “bury us”. Since then Frank has had a terrible relationship with the West Ranch Town Council. In fact there is no relationship!

It looks the annexation issue is going to start heating up again. I suspect that after the City Council elections are over annexation will become a hot topic again. Sadly though, if there isn’t a change of leadership at City Hall the same divisive tactics, like the park fee issues, will continue.