City of Alexandria, Virginia
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MEMORANDUM
DATE: APRIL 23, 2020
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL
FROM: MARK B. JINKS, CITY MANAGER /s/
DOCKET TITLE:
TITLE
Consideration of a Resolution to Adopt Fire Department Fee Increases. [ROLL-CALL-VOTE]
BODY
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ISSUE: A resolution to revise the Fire Department’s Fire Protection System Retesting Fees.
RECOMMENDATION: That City Council adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment) as part of the FY 2021 Approved Budget. The new fee(s) will be effective July 1, 2020.
BACKGROUND: This memorandum provides detailed information regarding a proposed Fire Department fee increase for FY 2021. The fee increase is projected to generate an additional $200,000 in revenue for the City in FY 2021 based on current projections.
DISCUSSION: Staff proposes an increase to the Fire Department Fire Protection System Retesting Fee from $132 to $162 per hour, which was last increased in FY 2015. The proposed fee increases would continue narrow the difference between the cost of services provided and recovery of the cost to provide testing services. With this proposed increase, the City’s fees would more closely align with Arlington’s current rate of $162/hr. The Fire Department participates in site plan reviews to ensure emergency access; adequate fire hydrant locations; fire flows; fire department connections; fire lanes; ladder truck accessibility in mid-rise to high-rise buildings and handicap accessibility are in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the Code of the City of Alexandria.
FISCAL IMPACT: Increasing the Fire Protection System Retesting fee is projected to generate approximately $200,000 in additional General Fund revenue each year. The Fire Department participates in site plan reviews to ensure emergency access; adequate fire hydrant locations; fire flows; fire department connections; fire lanes; ladder truck accessibility in mid-rise to high-rise buildings and handicap accessibility are in accordance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code, the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code and the Code of the City of Alexandria.
FY 2019 actuals were $640,000 while current expenses are over $840,000. The proposed $162/hr fee will help offset more of the cost of performing these reviews.
ATTACHMENT: Resolution
STAFF:
Debra Collins, Deputy City Manager
Laura B. Triggs, Deputy City Manager
Morgan Routt, Director, Office of Management & Budget
Corey Smedley, Fire Chief