Hermosa Beach auto shops rebel over city fee
Owners of about 20 auto repair shops descended on Hermosa Beach City Hall to complain that they were being subjected to unfair fees, and won some concessions including a one-time discount. During a lively and sometimes testy meeting Monday with the city manager, city attorney, fire chief and finance director, the businesspeople also were told that officials will consider charging similar fees to other businesses as well, instead of singling out auto shops. The object of the businesspeople’s ire was a city fee for fire inspections and permits for their auto shops as well as Hermosa’s two gas stations. The fees were instituted by the City Council in 1990, and have risen in 20 years from $57 to $291 annually. At least two businesses are refusing to pay, including Precision Motor Sports, where owner Robert Hoffman has been battling City Hall for four years, as lawyers write letters demanding and refusing payment. At the meeting, city officials told the businesspeople the inspections determine the fire safety of the businesses, and record the amounts and locations of flammable liquids at each one. They said the fees cover the costs of the inspections and resulting permits. But the…
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