Coeur d'Alene fee increases are fair and reasonable.

Higher fees.  

Those are two words most people don't like hearing and aren't inclined to support. A proposal to increase fees pretty much across the board won't be popular. Who wants to pay higher fees? Probably no one. But sometimes, they are necessary and this is one of those times.

We see merit in the city of Coeur d'Alene's fee amendments proposed by administration, fire, municipal services, parks, police department and wastewater, as reported by The Press in Tuesday's edition. 

Such increases, unfortunately, are necessary in these days of rising costs, red ink and budget deficits. We have chastised government agencies for relying on property tax increases to keep up with their spending plans and have encouraged them to find ways to reduce costs and seek other revenue sources instead. 

Admittedly, raising fees doesn't reduce costs, but it's at least a step in the right direction and what we see as a more equitable way to increase revenue, rather than property owners shouldering the burden. And Coeur d'Alene found it necessary to use general fund money to cover expenses in its most recent budget.

"The Departments have evaluated the fee increases and have determined that they are reasonably related to, but do not exceed, the actual cost of the service being rendered," a city report said.

These fees will be paid by those who use the services. We're talking about parking, marina, film production, cemetery lots and special events. They are also looking to increase animal control fines, impound fees and the appeal processing fee. Some have long suggested the city raise parking fees, as they are relatively inexpensive now, and it is proposing to do just that. 

Most of the proposed hikes are small, less than 5%. We're talking a few dollars to $25 to more than $100.  

"The fees are intended to cover City maintenance and operations costs and are reasonably related to the actual cost of the service being rendered," according to a city report. 

During financial challenges, fee increases like those the city proposes are fair and reasonable. Users pay them, and they will hopefully provide the city with the funds needed to reduce the need to raise property taxes. 

When the City Council considers this new fee schedule, it should approve it.