Memorandum
City of Lawrence
City Manager’s Office
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TO: |
David L. Corliss, City Manager
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FROM: |
Cynthia Wagner, Assistant City Manager
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CC: |
Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager Casey Toomay, Budget Manager
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DATE: |
August 1, 2012
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RE: |
User Fee Policy and Update of Review of Fees
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In September 2011, staff presented a draft user fee policy. The policy sets forth a process for review of fees charged and outlines a five year review cycle. In conjunction with development of the policy, a checklist was created to assist in review of fees. While not adopted at that time, the draft policy and checklist have been used to review a number of fees throughout the organization over the course of the last several months. Some fees have been administratively changed, some may be recommended for elimination. Work to accomplish the five year review cycle is ongoing.
This memo highlights work completed to date or currently underway. A work plan for implementation of initial review and the five year review cycle is currently under development.
Park and Recreation
Golf course fees and fee structure is reviewed annually. Last fall, staff reviewed Eagle Bend Golf Course fees using the draft policy and made recommendations to the City Commission for changes, which were implemented in January.
Staff also annually reviews shelter and facility rentals fees; parks and recreation class fees; youth and adult sports league fees; special population programs and special events costs in order to administratively set fees. In 2012, this review was conducted using the checklist to review fees in light of the draft policy. Staff determined additional work is required to ensure an understanding of overhead costs. That work is ongoing and should be completed this fall in order to use in 2013 review of fees.
City Manager’s Office - City Clerk
The City Clerk’s office has identified several candidates for elimination, including: taxicab, pedicab, and ice cream truck licenses. Staff is also exploring the possibility of creating a sidewalk dining late fee. Additionally, the right-of-way-permit is currently under review, however, any recommendations for changes are not likely until implementation of the Innoprise licensing system is complete.
Planning & Development Services
Several fees have been identified for review this fiscal year:
Police
The Police Department has reviewed fingerprint fees, the fee charged for background checks and towing fees. Fingerprint and background check fees have been administratively changed based on this review. Initial review of merchant security licenses and precious metal dealer licenses has also been conducted.