Recently, the Board of Supervisors discussed increasing licensing fees for massage parlors in Sacramento County to enhance enforcement and address crime in the sector. Over the past six months, undercover operations revealed illicit activities in 65% of cases. I voted against these fee increases, and here’s why.
The proposal would raise fees for new massage businesses from $212 to $778—a 268% increase. Fees for existing businesses would go up to $412, which is an 118% increase. This hike is meant to fund more inspections and stronger enforcement.
However, I opposed these increases because they heavily burden legitimate business owners still recovering from the pandemic’s economic impacts. While curbing illegal activities is crucial, such steep fee hikes risk unfairly penalizing all businesses, not just the problematic ones.
I believe a better approach is targeted enforcement that focuses directly on establishments violating the law. This method wouldn’t adversely affect compliant businesses and would support a fair environment for small businesses in our community.
Government’s paramount duty is to ensure public safety and well-being. However, we must support our local economy and enforce laws without placing undue hardship on lawful businesses.
Thank you for Reading – and as always if you want to contact me, call me at 916-874-5491, or e-mail me at SupervisorFrost@saccounty.gov. Sacramento County Supervisor Sue Frost represents the 4th District, which includes the communities of Citrus Heights, Folsom, Orangevale, Antelope, North Highlands, Rio Linda, Elverta, and Rancho Murieta.