Approval is recommended to amend the Schedule of Fees for the City of Independence effective July 1, 2022.

Staff recommends approval.

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 2022-23.

Proposed rate changes to food services and mobile food units are estimated to generate $53,350 in revenue annually. This includes food services establishments/mobile foods, temporary foods, and mobile food unit permits. The proposed changes will increase fees to be in line with surrounding jurisdictions.

 The proposed rate increase for swimming pool permits is estimated to generate an additional $8,400 in revenue annually. The proposed increase is in line with surrounding jurisdictions. A decrease in revenue of $22,000 is estimated in 2022 due to admissions being Resident Only.  Limiting water park daily admission to residents only will provide a safer, less crowded, and more enjoyable experience for Independence customers.

The fiscal impact of allowing rentals of the Personal Training Room is unknown as FY22/23 will be the first year to offer this rental. However, the impact would only be positive with no loss of revenue. The Active and Retired US Veteran Discount will also be offered in FY22/23. Again, the fiscal impact is unknown as FY22/23 will be the first year to offer this discount. It is likely that the number of veteran memberships will increase enough to offset any significant loss of revenue from the lower fee.

Other proposed updates have no fiscal impact to the City’s budget.