Sacramento County Raises Fees for Massage Parlors

Sacramento County is responding to a surge in the number of massage parlors and the associated criminal activities by implementing significant fee increases for these businesses. New massage establishments will see their fees jump from $212 to $778, marking a staggering 268% rise, while existing businesses will face a 118% increase, bringing their annual fees to $412. County officials argue that these adjustments are necessary to enhance oversight and enforcement, as the fees have remained unchanged since 2019. District 5 Supervisor Pat Hume expressed concern over the impact of these increases on honest business owners, stating that it is unfair for legitimate operators to bear the financial burden due to the actions of a few. Meanwhile, other supervisors, including Rich Desmond and Phil Serna, emphasized the need for the fee hikes to cover the costs of inspections and enforcement, noting that the county has not been recovering its expenses over the past five years. The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office has reported that many massage parlors are suspected fronts for prostitution, with 44 undercover operations conducted in the last six months revealing that 65% of these establishments engaged in illicit activities. Sgt. Nate Grgich highlighted the alarming nature of these findings, indicating a pressing need for increased regulation. Opponents of the fee increases argue that raising costs for all businesses penalizes those that operate legally and responsibly. In addition to the massage parlor fees, general business licenses will also see a 29% increase, now costing $230.