San Diego Councilmember Proposes Reforms to Prevent Fee Hike Surprises

Raul Campillo's plan aims to require more transparency and analysis before new or increased fees are approved.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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San Diego Councilmember Raul Campillo is proposing new rules to prevent a repeat of the sticker shock residents experienced when the city's new trash pickup fees ended up much higher than initially estimated. Campillo's proposal would require a comprehensive economic analysis before any ballot measure that could create a new fee or raise an existing one is put to voters. It would also revamp how people can protest fee increases like sewer and water rate hikes.

Why it matters

The trash fee debacle highlighted concerns about the city not providing accurate information to voters before they approved the new fees. Campillo's reforms are aimed at increasing transparency and accountability around the process for approving new or increased fees in San Diego.

The details

Campillo's proposal would require the city to conduct a full cost-of-service study before putting any fee-related ballot measure to voters. If the council declines to do the study, they would at least have to complete an economic impact analysis. The proposal would also create new requirements for the protest notices sent to sewer and water customers before rate hikes, making the information more prominent and the protest process more accessible.

  • In November 2022, voters approved Measure B to allow the city to start charging for trash pickup.
  • In February 2026, Campillo's proposal is scheduled for its first public hearing before the City Council's Rules Committee.

The players

Raul Campillo

A San Diego City Councilmember who is proposing new rules to increase transparency and analysis around new or increased fees in the city.

Joe LaCava

A San Diego City Councilmember who spearheaded the trash fee measure that led to the sticker shock for residents.

Sean Elo-Rivera

A San Diego City Councilmember who also spearheaded the trash fee measure that led to the sticker shock for residents.

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What they’re saying

“These are not small adjustments — they fundamentally shift the process toward transparency, accessibility and fairness.”

— Raul Campillo, San Diego City Councilmember (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

“It is in the city's best interest that property owners that are asked to pay a new or increased fee understand basic information about what is being proposed and about what their rights are in the process.”

— Raul Campillo, San Diego City Councilmember (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

What’s next

Campillo's proposal is scheduled for its first public hearing before the City Council's Rules Committee on February 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Campillo's reforms aim to prevent a repeat of the trash fee debacle by requiring more transparency, analysis, and voter awareness around any new or increased fees in San Diego. The proposal highlights the importance of providing accurate information to residents before they are asked to approve measures that could significantly impact their finances.