Members of the City of Plymouth Fee Schedule Subcommittee met Tuesday morning to go over proposed fee increases for each department. The main reason for the review of fees is to help each department cover their costs instead of using taxpayer money to subsidize deficits.
Committee member Bill Walters said costs should be assessed to the user and not covered by taxpayer funds.
Permit fee increases were proposed for the building department. Building Inspector Keith Hammonds noted that it has been 10 years since fees saw an increase. Most of the proposed residential fees will increase $20 to $25 while commercial permit fees will increase about $50 to $100. Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Xaver explained last year there were $125,000 in expenses in Hammonds department and only $23,000 was collected with user fees.
Utility Superintendent Donnie Davidson and City Engineer Rick Gaul proposed increasing fees for project reviews and inspections. Service charges will be assessed for water shut-off.
Street Department Superintendent Jim Marquardt proposed a $1.00 increase in garbage collection to ease a $33,000 deficit subsidized by taxpayer funds when user fees should self-sustain that fund. The garbage fee has not increased in nine years. Street cuts will also increase and an ordinance will be rewritten that will address certain projects.
Police Chief David Bacon proposed an increase in parking fees, accident reports, photos, and videos. New fees for VIN checks, fingerprint cards, and background checks were also included in the request.
More information from other department proposals will be featured in a future newscast.
When reviews are complete, a recommendation will be made to the Plymouth City Council members for formal approval.
