Title
AMENDMENT TO THE WICHITA-SEDGWICK COUNTY METROPOLITAN AREA PLANNING DEPARTMENT FILING FEES.
Presented by: John Schlegel, Director of Planning.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Adopt the Resolution and authorize the Chairman to sign.
Body
Background: Historically, filing fees for development applications were reviewed and adjusted every three years. In 2001, the Board of County Commissioners indefinitely deferred a proposed 10 percent increase in filing fees. However, the proposed increase was eventually approved in January, 2003. In the eleven years since then, the Planning Department has not requested a filing fee increase. Planning staff is recommending the increases to the filing fees shown in Attachment #1. These adjustments, if adopted, would become effective upon final publication of the resolution.
Analysis: The proposal is to increase filing fees by 15 percent across the board (with rounding to the nearest five dollars.) This increase averages approximately 1.36 percent a year over the last eleven years which is less than the inflation rate of 22 percent over the same period. The amendment would help to offset increased costs to operate the department (salaries, employee benefits, commodity items used in normal office operations and technology improvements to enhance customer service provided by staff).
Alternatives: 1) Adopt the resolution and authorize the Chairman to sign.
2) Take any other action deemed appropriate.
Financial Considerations: The recommended fee increases will generate estimated additional revenue of $25,000 annually over current levels. The 2015 Adopted Budget included increased fee revenue to enhance cost recovery and sustainability of the Planning Fund. Current filing fees collected offset about ten percent of department costs.
Legal Considerations: Approved as to form and signed by County Counselor's Office: The BoCC is authorized to set fees for subdivision matters by K.S.A. 12-752(d), for zoning matters by K...
Click here for full text