Potential fee hikes stun council Potential fee hikes stun council (April 09, 2004)

City leaders say increases will hurt development and recreation

By Grace Rauh

Mountain View residents may soon be forking over more money each time they take a dip at Eagle Pool, reserve a barbecue at Cuesta Park or rent playing fields for a birthday party.

The city is considering fee hikes for nearly every local service and facility, from the cost of processing construction applications to the rates charged for lap swimming. But most city council members are balking at the proposal -- saying it will hamper development and target recreation programs unfairly.

"If the council is serious about affordable housing, you've just nixed it right here," said Mayor Matt Pear at the March 30 council meeting.

Under the new proposal, residents and developers applying to amend the city's precise plan to make way for new housing will have to pay $9,870 instead of the current $1,916 required. Construction permit rates will rise, as well as fines for dumpsters improperly placed in the road. And the rental rate for the community center's auditorium stands to jump from $70 to $100.

The recommended fee increases are estimated to add between $400,000 and $600,000 in revenues to the city's general fund.

Council member Matt Neely said he is comfortable with most of the proposed increases, but not with those that impact recreation programs and activities. The city staff is proposing a special fee waiver program for low-income families using recreation facilities, but Neely said he supports a system that keeps low prices for everyone.

"I'm not convinced that it's the best tool," Neely said, referring to the waiver proposal. "There are enormous costs" required to keep a program like that afloat.

Council member Nick Galiotto said he is more concerned with fee increases for planning, building and public works services.

"What I'm seeing are some increases that could become very significant for a developer," he said.

The council decided last year to conduct a survey of all fees, which would show how much it costs to provide each service, the amount the city receives from the fees, and to what degree the city subsidizes these services.

The council requested more time to review the recommendations and asked to see a complete report of the fee study conducted by Maximus, a private consulting firm hired by the city. The council will review the report and proposed increases at a study session in mid-to-late May. City staff members are planning an outreach campaign prior to that meeting to hear from groups and individuals affected by the fee increases.

The council is expected to vote on the recommendations in June, as part of the budget hearing process.

E-mail Grace Rauh at grauh@mv-voice.com

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