1994 AGN APR 05 I31 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY OF COLTON AGENDA REPORT (continued) For Council Meeting of April 5, 1994 SUBJECT: Discussion of Pro -ration of Dog Licenses 1. FACT: That the City of Colton's apprehension fee of $1.00 is out of line with surrounding jurisdictions. OPTION: This fee should be brought into line with the surrounding agencies. 2. FACT: Currently, Colton contracts with the City of San Bernardino for animal shelter. The contract is in its third year. New rates will go into effect on July 1, 1994. These rates will remain in effect until June 30, 1996. The current shelter fees of $22.50 will increase to $24.00. This is an increase to City citizens of 7%. With California in a recession, the consumer price index flat, and City Council looking at ways to lower costs to the residents, staff feels this is high. OPTION: Look at renegotiating the agreement and/or contracting with another agency to perform these services. For instance, currently the County of San Bernardino charges $15 and does not charge this shelter fee when the owner reclaims the animal. 3. FACT: Currently, staff estimates there are some 5200 unlicensed dogs in the City limits. These unlicensed dogs result in lost revenue to the City and non-compliance with City ordinance. OPTION: That Colton perform a City sweep to increase enforcement, this would also increase revenues. 4. FACT: Currently, the City does not pro -rate licenses. Councilmember Rios requested staff to review this option. Although the City doesn't pro -rate, current rates are not out of alignment with surrounding jurisdictions. As a matter of fact, the only City lower, is Redlands. Pro- rating would lower already low rates and decrease revenues, which do not presently cover the costs to provide this City service (resulting in a negative impact on the City's general fund ) OPTION: As an alternative, staff has reviewed the possibility of issuing licenses annually, but with two different renewal periods. This would address the concerns of citizens just moving into the City with new pets and having to pay for a whole year. Staff has discussed the possibility of acquiring the needed software from another City that uses this method to issue licenses.