Fresno County supervisors voted Nov. 4 to allow free vehicle entrance to county parks and to waive camping fees for veterans and active-duty service members.

Deputy County Administrative Officer Samantha Buck told the board staff had prepared a hearing to amend the county's master schedule of fees to allow free vehicle entry and to reduce camping fees for veterans and active-duty personnel. Buck said the staff recommendation reduced camping fees from $11 to $6 per 24 hours per site and that, if adopted at the second hearing on Nov. 18, would become effective 30 days later.

During discussion several supervisors urged a more generous benefit. “We want to reduce the camping fee from $11 to no charge at all for veterans or active duty personnel,” Supervisor Magsig said during debate, and a motion to adopt the change carried on a voice vote. Board members asked staff to design on-site mechanics — for example a checkbox or mark on payment envelopes — so veterans will not receive a ticket if the kiosk attendant is not present.

Implementation details, including the effective date, were not specified in the public discussion beyond staff's statement that an adopted ordinance would take effect 30 days after final adoption. Supervisors also asked the County Administrative Office to return with logistics for signage and enforcement to ensure the exemption is recognizable at park entrances.

The action will amend the County Master Schedule of Fees under Public Works; staff said a second hearing is scheduled to finalize the ordinance.

Officials did not provide a cost estimate for the revenue impact of the fee waiver during the meeting.