Going up
County approves fee changes
Proposed increases match new “pay-as-you-go policy”
By SUZETTE PORTER
| Article published on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009 |
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CLEARWATER - A number of fee increases for a variety of services were approved by the Board of Pinellas County Commissioners on Sept. 22 to help offset the budget deficit for the fiscal year 2009-10.
According to John Woodruff, director of the Office of Management and Budget, “As part of the development of the fiscal year 2010 proposed budget, departments were asked to review their fees for opportunities to enhance revenue recovery from specific benefitting parties and relieve pressure on property taxes.”
He said departments “were challenged to recover both direct and indirect costs as long as we remain competitive with other public and private service providers.”
Officials estimate that the increase in fees coupled with the addition of new fees will generate $1.5 million in general fund revenue.
In addition, building inspection fees are estimated to bring in about $700,000 for the newly created building and development review services fund.
What going up?
A variety of different fees have been increased.
For example, if your dog or cat gets loose and is taken to the pound, it will cost you $40 more, $80 versus $40 last year, if the animal is not spade or neutered, and $10 more, or $50, if the animal is sterile.
It also costs $5 more to have a dog spade. Animal license now cost $20 instead of $10. Officials estimate the increased fees will bring in about $993,000 to Animal Services.
It now costs residents and visitors $1 more to use the waterfront sites at the Fort De Soto campgrounds. It costs $1 more for all camping sites during peak season.
Parking fees may be increased at Madeira Beach Access Park from $1.25 an hour to $1.50 an hour. Parking fees are $1 more at county boat ramps and a new $2 daily fee has been added for vehicles without trailers. An annual parking pass now costs $10 more, $100 to $110; seniors pay more as well, $50 to $55.
Add in the money from a new fee for special events and weddings with less than 50 people attending and a new monthly fee for concession vendors in parks, the Culture Education and Leisure Department estimates to bring in $298,000,
Other departments with fee increases include: Economic development, environmental management, health department, justice and consumer services, planning, public works, real estate management and Utilities.
Residents are urged to visit www.pinellascounty.org or call specific departments for complete fee information.
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Article published on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009
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