Consider amending the Schedule of Fees for the City of Independence effective July 1, 2021.

The City’s Schedule of Fees sets the amount to be charged for various City services other than those set forth in the City Code or established by separate ordinance or resolution.   As required by the Missouri State Constitution, the revenues generated from the proposed fee amendments do not exceed the cost of providing the service.  Moreover, the proposed fees were compared to surrounding jurisdictions to ensure they are in line with regional averages.

The proposed changes recommended represent routine adjustments to fees to keep pace with inflation and changes in City services.  The proposed changes were incorporated into the revenue projections for the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2021-22.

Background information for each proposed change is included in an attached schedule of fees.

Proposed rate changes to the hourly rental fees for Truman Memorial Building meeting rooms are estimated to generate $1,000.00 in revenue annually.

Proposed rate increase for grave spaces at Woodlawn Cemetery are estimated to generate $4,600.00 annually.  Additionally, rate changes to opening/closing fees for grave spaces and cremation spaces at Woodlawn Cemetery are estimated to generate $17,800.00 annually.

Proposed rate increase for public fireworks exhibition fees are estimated to generate between $4,000 and $5,000 annually as there are typically 20-25 events per year.