Title
RESOLUTION REPEALING RESOLUTION NO. 146-2014 AND ESTABLISHING FEES AND CHARGES FOR PLANNING AND ZONING APPLICATION AND PROCEEDINGS.
Presented by: William P. Buchanan, County Manager.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Take action as deemed appropriate by the Commission.
Body
On October 22, 2014, the Board of County Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 146-2014 which increased certain fees and charges for planning and zoning applications and proceedings. This resolution repeals those increases and reinstates the fee structure in place before the adoption of Resolution No. 146-2014.
Background: On October 22, 2014 the Board of County Commissioners passed an Amendment to the Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department Filling Fees. 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 of 2003. In the eleven years since then, the Planning Department has not requested a filing fee increase.
Analysis: The proposal increased filing fees by 15 percent across the board (with rounding to the nearest five dollars.) This increase averaged 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 was intended 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) and create a uniform and simpler fee structure for the customers.
Alternatives: N/A
Financial Considerations:
ยท The estimated fee increase was expected generate $25,000 in annual revenue. The 2015 Adopted Budget included increased fee revenue to enhance cost recovery and sustainability of the Planning Fund. Current filing fees co...
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