CC/RDA/CUA SPE MIN 2010 JUL 27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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—Based on this revenue and the CPI factor in FY 2005-06, FY 2006-07, FY 2007-08 and FY 2008-09, the CPD would have collected an additional $7,000 from animal licenses, $1,500 from animal control revenue, and $8,500 from police cost recovery fees had fees been updated by at least the CPI. Animal Fees — By not updating fees since 2004, the CPD lacks a number of animal fees, including multi- year dog licenses and voluntary cat licenses that are charged in neighboring cities. The CPD also charges less for single -year altered dog licenses. Recommendations The City needs a policy governing fees and charges that specify how rates are set, how frequently they are reviewed and adjusted, and the extent to which they are intended to cover the cost of the service provided. — Based on best practices, the City's fees should be formally reviewed and updated at least every other year, with adjustments made based on the CPI in the off years. — All departments should be directed to update fees at least biennially as part of the budget process, and the CPD should immediately update its fees. — Improved cost recovery is estimated at between $17,000 and more than $100,000 annually. — Establishing multi-year license fees would also result in a one-time increase in revenue the first year that the licenses are offered, as well as when new animals are brought to the City and licensed. 5. Animal Control Workload and Staffiniz Animal problems represent the second most frequent type of call in data provided by the CPD. By terminating the animal control contract with the City of Grand Terrace and eliminating a full- time Animal Control Officer due to budget cuts, the workload of the remaining full-time Animal Control Officer has increased by 72 percent on average. — The Animal Control Officer is responsible for handling all routine complaints involving animals, conducting preliminary investigations, compiling animal control statistics, and processing dog licenses, yet she receives no clerical support other than a citizen volunteer. — Staff resources are required to identify and license the many unlicensed dogs living in the City, as well as implement any other new fees that are established, such as a voluntary cat license fee. — These additional duties cannot be absorbed by the remaining Animal Control Officer based on her current workload. Recommendations The CPD should add either an Animal Licensing Inspector or an Animal Control Officer to support the existing Animal Control Officer and oversee all licensing duties, including canvassing the City for unlicensed dogs, computing license fees, selling licenses and arranging payment, responding to questions and complaints on licensing, and organizing low cost immunization clinics. — If all animal fee -related recommendations are implemented, the position should generate enough new revenue to cover 100 percent of its costs. — The addition of an Animal Licensing Inspector is estimated at $51,644 in salary and benefits at the lowest step. — An Animal Control Officer would cost at least $61,824 in salary and benefits but would provide the CPD with greater flexibility in responding to animal problems. — Implementation of the recommendation could also have a positive impact on reducing animal problems within the City. 2010 JUL 27 SPC CC/RDA/CUA MEETING - 5-