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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7395 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7395 ................... :#*W -4 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 1, 1989 NON-RESIDENT FEE PROGRAM �4.�SOpr�� J NXP�� Subject: 1P7* The following report is in response to Council 's request for information to be used in evaluating the feasibility of establishing a system of user fees for nonresidents who utilize services provided by the City of Fort Worth. The information provided in the following report is an update of a study that was originally provided to the Council at Mr. Gilley's request on July 6, 1987. The following departments were found to provide services of significant nature to residents of other jurisdictions: Fire, Health, Library, Police, and Park & Recreation. Each department's services will be discussed separately along with any fee recommendations. Surveys were also conducted of other Texas cities to determine the extent of the practice of nonresident fee systems. The following departments and services/activities were identified as pos- sibly being utilized by nonresidents: 1. FIRE DEPARTMENT Mutual Aid - The Fire Department is investigating the possibility of charging a fee when providing fire service to other cities as required un- der mutual aid agreements at a higher level than other cities are able to reciprocate. The City of Arlington currently charges the City of Dalworthington Gardens such a charge based on a formula which calculates a cost per unit of service. The Fort Worth Fire Department is evaluating Arlington' s formula as well as others and anticipates that they will have a recommendation for City Council consideration in approximately one month. Benbrook - The contractual agreement between the City of Fort Worth and the City of Benbrook for fire service is still being negotiated. It is an- ticipated that Benbrook will make final payment on Fire Stations 23 and 30 and that Fort Worth will have clear title (Fort Worth has title to the land but both cities have title to the structures) to these two stations by October 1, 1989. After that, it is estimated that Benbrook will be re- quired to pay $60,000 per station per year to continue service. Westover Hills - The City of Westover Hill has a contract for fire service with the City of Fort Worth for a cost of $ 96,014. This contract is up for renewal September 30, 1989. The formula used to calculate the charge to Westover Hills is shown below: Per Capita Fort Worth Cost X Westover Hills Population X Hazard Rating + Annual Street File Maintenance Fee. The actual cost is that amount calculated from the formula above or $96,014 whichever is greater for FY 88-89. Hazardous Materials Squad - This area was one identified for further study in order to recover some or all of the costs involved in responding to an incident. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7395 - P.2 'JAR T I .0 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 1 , 1989 0 ph NON-RESIDENT FEE PROGRAM (wj'- O� Subject: Bomb Squad - The Bomb Squad responds to requests for assistance outside the city limits but does not charge for this service because the training they receive is federally funded and a federal grant the City received a few years ago stipulated that a fee could not be charged to other cities that request our assistance. The Fire Department also feels that the effectiveness and working relationships with other jurisdictions would be inhibited if a fee system were instituted. 2. HEALTH DEPARTMENT Dental Clinic and STD Clinic: Both clinics receive funding support from the County and State. In addition, fees are charged to both Fort Worth residents and nonresidents alike for the services they receive. The county has a contract with the City of Fort Worth to pay for their share based on an analysis of usage by nonresidents. Therefore, the County already pays for the usage of these services by nonresidents and a nonresident fee should not be charged. 3. LIBRARY The Library instituted a user fee system for nonresidents based on the us- age level . The fee was instituted with the adoption of M&Cs G-6508 and op" G-6254 on December 12, 1985. These fees generate approximately $2000 per month or $24,000 per year. 4. POLICE Accident and Offense Reports - The Police Department charges for reproduc- tion of these reports. There is no distinction between residents and non- residents in the charge. M&C G-7024 passed by Council on April 7, 1987 es- tablished the fees for these reports. The fees charged are based on State guidelines that were researched by the Legal Department prior to approval by Council . Crime Laboratory Service - A fee system that represents a nonresident fee was established with the passage of M&C G-5621 for the costs of a variety of services. These fees are charged to other municipalities that utilize our laboratory. Approximately $12,000 will be generated in FY 88-89. Helicopter Services - The Police Department will review current mutual aid agreements and the possibility of charging other jurisdictions for heli- copter service for Police related matters. 5. PARK AND RECREATION Athletics - The Park & Recreation Department has a fee system in place for each of the various types of athletic events it hosts. The fee does not distinguish between residents and nonresident users. It is estimated that only 5% of the people who participate in sports are nonresidents The de- partment estimates the cost of staff time to implement a nonresident fee outweigh any revenue that would be generated. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7395 - p.3 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 1, 1989 Subject: NON-RESIDENT FEE PROGRAM Aquatics - There is a fee charged to all participants for this service. There is no distinction between residents and nonresidents in the fee. It is estimated only 1% of the participants are nonresidents A nonresident fee 25% above the current rate could be charged to nonresidents for admis- sion and swimming lessons. Fort Worth Nature Center - There is no admission fee to the Nature Center but fees are charged for the various classes that are taught there. It is not deemed feasible to institute a nonresident fee due to staff costs and the lack of fencing around the facility to control access. Golf Courses - The golf courses charge a variety of fees for the various services they offer. These fees as with other fees do not distinguish be- tween residents and nonresidents Approximately 10% of the golf course us- ers are nonresidents. As an enterprise fund it is necessary for the Golf Program to establish fees which cover operating costs but which also are consistent with the competitive market place. It is recommended that the golf fees be adjusted to include nonresident fees. Staff is considering charging different fees based on the desirability and popularity of each golf course. A percentage increase has not been determined for non- resident usage at this time but will be considered as a part of the review of each golf course later in the year. Log Cabin Village - A general admission fee is charged for adults and children that visit the village. The is no nonresident fee. Approximately 50% of the visitors each year are nonresidents It is recommended that a fee 25% of the current admission fee be charged to nonresidents. McLeland Tennis Center: Tournaments - There are approximately 12 tournaments a year that are sponsored by residents of Fort Worth. The sponsors pay $15 a day for each court used. Approximately 10% of the participants are nonresidents. Since residents sponsor the tournaments the City could not charge a fee to non- General Public Play - There is a fee charged for day and night play on a per person basis. It is estimated that only .50% of the total usage is by nonresidents. It is recommended that a fee 25% higher than the cur- rent admission fee be charged for nonresident usage. Recreational Center Instructional Programs - A fee is presently charged for all participants in these programs. An additional fee of $4.00 is charged to nonresidents that participate. Recreational Centers Room Rental - A fee is charged for room rental . In 1989 almost all rentals were made by residents. It is recommended that a nonresident fee be charged for room rental 25% higher than the existing ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7395 p.4 ;W To the Mayor and Members of the City Council August 1, 1989 NON-RESIDENT FEE PROGRAM Subject: Zoological Park - Zoo admission fees were increased in 1988. Approximately 50% of the attendance is estimated to be nonresidents. It is recommended that a nonresident fee 25% higher than existing fees be instituted, to- gether with a system for handling fee collections in a way to prevent long lines. RECOMMENDATION TF—i"s—recommended that all of the fees for services identified below be increased 25% above existing rates and discounts be provided to those in- dividuals furnishing proof of residency in Fort Worth. There will only be one price shown with a discount for residents. Activities recommended for 25% fee increases: Aquatics Admission, General Public Play at McLeland Tennis Center, Recre- ational Room Rental , Zoological Park and Log Cabin Village admission. Texas Cities User Fee Survey 1. Arlington - The City of Arlington has a separate fee structure for nonresidents for the use of the Library and Community Centers. 2. Austin - The City of Austin has a separate fee structure for non- residents for the use of Library facilities. 3. Dallas - The City of Dallas has a user fee structure for nonresidents in the areas of Golf, Zoo, and the Transportation and Health Departments for certain certification courses. 4. Houston - No fee structure for nonresidents. 5. San Antonio - The City of San Antonio has a user fee structure for nonresidents in the areas of: Waste Collection, Landfill Fees, Sewer Fees, and Platting. The City also bases its charges for Library usage to the County on the number of nonresidents that utilize their services. CONCLUSION If th y Council decides to implement the recommendations of this re- port and establish a nonresident fee structure it will be necessary to have an administrative structure to be able to identify individuals as citizens of Fort Worth. It is recommended that the Library Card be uti- lized as the mechanism for identifying residents. The Library has since 1985 issued both resident and nonresident cards to users. It is proposed that the branch libraries and various Park and Recreation facilities accept applications for resident library cards. These applica- tions will then be forwarded to the Central Library for processing and mailed to the applicant after completion of processing. ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No.— 7395 - p.5 "p 7I A, August 1, 1989 To the Mayor and Members of the City Council x Subject: NON-RESIDENT FEE PROGRAM +,79 Individuals attending or utilizing a service that has a nonresident fee structure would provide the Library card and another means of identifica- tion to be eligible to receive the resident discount. There will be cer- tain costs associated with implementing this program. City staff will research the actual costs if City Council decides to implement this pro- gram and provide them to Council at a later date. When the City Council reviewed this issue a number of months ago, City Council decided not to pursue the matter. Staff continues to feel nonresident fees would be fair and appropriate. If you desire additionalinformation, it will be furnished upon request. Douglas Harman City Manager ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS