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NOTICE OF MEETING
SPECIAL WORK SESSION
FOUNTAIN HILLS TOWN COUNCIL
Mayor Ginny Dickey
Vice Mayor Mike Scharnow
Councilmember Dennis Brown
Councilmember Gerry Friedel
Councilmember Alan Magazine
Councilmember David Spelich
Councilmember Art Tolis
TIME:5:30 P.M. – SPECIAL WORK SESSION
WHEN:TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2020
WHERE:FOUNTAIN HILLS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
16705 E. AVENUE OF THE FOUNTAINS, FOUNTAIN HILLS, AZ
Councilmembers of the Town of Fountain Hills will attend either in person or by telephone conference call; a quorum of the
Town’s various Commission, Committee or Board members may be in attendance at the Council meeting.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9, subject to certain specified statutory exceptions, parents have a
right to consent before the State or any of its political subdivisions make a video or audio recording of a minor child.
Meetings of the Town Council are audio and/or video recorded and, as a result, proceedings in which children are present
may be subject to such recording. Parents, in order to exercise their rights may either file written consent with the Town
Clerk to such recording, or take personal action to ensure that their child or children are not present when a recording may
be made. If a child is present at the time a recording is made, the Town will assume that the rights afforded parents
pursuant to A.R.S. §1-602.A.9 have been waived.
AGENDA
NOTICE OF OPTION TO RECESS INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
Pursuant to A.R.S. §38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the Town Council, and to the general public, that at
this meeting, the Town Council may vote to go into executive session, which will not be open to the public, for legal advice
and discussion with the Town's attorneys for legal advice on any item listed on the following agenda, pursuant to A.R.S.
§38-431.03(A)(3).
1.CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Mayor Dickey
2.ROLL CALL – Mayor Dickey
3.REVIEW findings of the recently completed User Fee Study and provide direction to staff
regarding adjustments to be implemented on 7/1/2021.
4.ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF NOTICE
The undersigned hereby certifies that a copy of the foregoing notice was duly posted in accordance with the statement filed
by the Town Council with the Town Clerk.
Dated this ______ day of ____________________, 2020.
_____________________________________________
Elizabeth A. Burke, MMC, Town Clerk
The Town of Fountain Hills endeavors to make all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities. Please call 480-816-5199 (voice)
or 1-800-367-8939 (TDD) 48 hours prior to the meeting to request a reasonable accommodation to participate in the meeting or to obtain
agenda information in large print format. Supporting documentation and staff reports furnished the Council with this agenda are available
for review in the Clerk's Office.
Town Council Special Work Session of September 22, 2020 2 of 2
ITEM 3.
TOWN OF FOUNTAIN HILLS
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: 09/22/2020 Meeting Type: Town Council Special Work
Session
Agenda Type: Public
Appearances/Presentations Submitting Department: Administration
Prepared by: David Pock, Finance Director
Staff Contact Information: David Pock, Finance Director
SPECIAL PUBLIC APPEARANCES/PRESENTATIONS (Agenda Language): REVIEW findings of the
recently completed User Fee Study and provide direction to staff regarding adjustments to be
implemented on 7/1/2021.
Staff Summary (Background)
User fees are charged by local governments for products, services, and rentals provided to individuals or
groups for their direct benefit. These fees rarely cover the entire cost incurred by the local government
to obtain, maintain, and provide the products, services, and assets for rental. The unrecovered costs are
often subsidized from other funding sources, most notably the General Fund.
In order to ensure that the town is charging appropriate user fees for services, Willdan Financial Services
and Pat Walker Consulting was engaged to conduct a Comprehensive User Fee Study. The study was
designed to calculate the full cost, including indirect costs, of services for each fee included in the FY20
Comprehensive User Fee Schedule. Once calculated, the full cost was compared to the existing fees to
determine the current subsidy amount. Based on that information, and multiple discussions with staff,
the attached draft report was compiled, including proposed revisions to the fee schedule. Due to the
large number of fees included in the schedule, the report and fee schedule were divided into sections
based on departments and the types of products, services, or rentals provided.
The objective of this work session is to provide Council with the methodology used for the study, discuss
the overall types of fees collected by the various departments, and receive direction from Council on the
approach that staff should take with regard to fee adjustments for the individual sections. Due to time
constraints, it is not advisable to discuss each individual fee included in the schedule during this session.
With that in mind, staff has developed the following approaches for the Council’s consideration. Any of
these approaches can be applied to a single section or multiple sections within the fee schedule;
however, only one approach should be applied per section.
Direct staff to implement the proposed fees contained in the report
Direct staff to adjust fees to a Council recommended percentage of full-cost recovery
Direct staff to adjust fees to a Council recommended percentage of full-cost recovery over the
next 3 years
Direct staff to adjust fees to a Council recommended percentage of full-cost recovery as long as
adjustment is less than a Council recommended percentage of the current fee
Direct staff to keep the current fees
Note: All current fees that are higher than the newly calculated full-recovery cost, will be reduced to the
new proposed fee.
Once direction is received from the Town Council, staff will adjust the fee schedule and return to Council
in November for adoption. The plan is for the new fee schedule to go into effect on July 1, 2021.
Attachments
User Fee Report
User Fee Introduction
PowerPoint
Form Review
Inbox Reviewed By Date
Finance Director (Originator)David Pock 09/14/2020 03:16 PM
Town Attorney Aaron D. Arnson 09/15/2020 03:53 PM
Town Manager David Pock 09/17/2020 07:31 AM
Finance Director (Originator)David Pock 09/17/2020 07:44 AM
Town Attorney Aaron D. Arnson 09/17/2020 08:45 AM
Town Manager Elizabeth A. Burke 09/17/2020 01:30 PM
Form Started By: David Pock Started On: 08/26/2020 10:33 AM
Final Approval Date: 09/17/2020
Comprehensive User Fee Study
Report
October 2019
Town of Fountain Hills
Comprehensive
User Fee Study
2020
i Comprehensive User Fee Study
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................................ i
Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................ 1
User Fee Background .............................................................................................................................. 2
Background .................................................................................................................................................. 2
User Fee Calculations ................................................................................................................................... 2
Study Objective....................................................................................................................................... 3
Scope of the Study ....................................................................................................................................... 3
Report Objective .......................................................................................................................................... 4
Project Approach and Methodology ........................................................................................................ 5
Conceptual Approach ................................................................................................................................... 5
Fully Burdened Hourly Rates ........................................................................................................................ 5
Summary Steps of the Study ........................................................................................................................ 6
Allowable Costs ............................................................................................................................................ 6
Methodology ................................................................................................................................................ 7
Quality Control/Quality Assurance .............................................................................................................. 7
Reasons for cost increases/decreases over current fees............................................................................. 8
Town Staff Contributions ............................................................................................................................. 8
Fountain Hills User Fees .......................................................................................................................... 9
Cost Recovery............................................................................................................................................... 9
Subsidization ................................................................................................................................................ 9
Impact on Demand (Elasticity) ................................................................................................................... 10
Summary .................................................................................................................................................... 10
Development Services User Fees ........................................................................................................... 11
Planning Fees ............................................................................................................................................. 11
Building Fees .............................................................................................................................................. 11
Miscellaneous Fees .................................................................................................................................... 12
Fire User Fees ....................................................................................................................................... 13
Public Works Fees ................................................................................................................................. 14
Engineering Fees ........................................................................................................................................ 14
Miscellaneous Fees .................................................................................................................................... 14
ii Comprehensive User Fee Study
Community Services Fees ...................................................................................................................... 16
Parks Fees .................................................................................................................................................. 16
Community Center Fees ............................................................................................................................. 16
Special Event Fees ...................................................................................................................................... 17
Court Fees ............................................................................................................................................. 18
Clerk Fees ............................................................................................................................................. 19
Finance Fees ......................................................................................................................................... 20
Appendices:
Appendix A – Total Allowable Cost to be Recovered
Appendix B – Fully Burdened Hourly Rates
Appendix C – Cost Recovery Analysis: Summary
1 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Executive Summary
The Town of Fountain Hills engaged Willdan Financial Services and Pat Walker Consulting LLC (Willdan
Team) to determine the full costs incurred by the Town to support the various activities for which the Town
charges user fees. Due to the complexity and the breadth of performing a comprehensive review of fees,
the Willdan Team employed a variety of fee methodologies to identify the full costs of individual fee and
program activities. This report and the appendices herein identify 100% full cost recovery for Town services
and the proposed fees through discussion with departmental staff.
The reality of the local government fee environment is that significant increases to achieve 100% cost
recovery can often not be feasible, desirable, or appropriate depending on policy direction —particularly in
a single year. The proposed fees identified herein are either at or less than full cost recovery.
2 Comprehensive User Fee Study
User Fee Background
Background
As part of a general cost recovery strategy, local governments adopt user fees to fund programs and services
that provide limited or no direct benefit to the community as a whole. As towns and cities struggle to
maintain levels of service and variability of demand, they have become increasingly aware of subsidies
provided by the General Fund and have implemented cost‐recovery targets. To the extent that
governments use general tax monies to provide individuals with private benefits, and not require them to
pay the full cost of the service (and, therefore, receive a subsidy), the government is limiting funds that may
be available to provide other community‐wide benefits. Unlike most revenue sources, towns and cities have
more control over the level of user fees they charge to recover costs, or the subsidies they can institute.
User Fee Calculations
Municipalities should evaluate and update their fee schedules every three to five years to reflect the actual
costs of certain public services primarily benefitting users. User Fees recover costs associated with the
provision of specific services benefiting the user, thereby reducing the use of General Fund monies for such
purposes. For the Town this is the first comprehensive user fee study that has been completed.
In addition to collecting the direct cost of labor and materials associated with processing and administering
user services, it is common for local governments to recover support costs. Support costs are those costs
relating to a local government’s central service departments that are properly allocable to the local
government’s operating departments. Central services support cost allocations were incorporated using
the indirect overhead percentage of 10% of department costs. The federal Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) defines a 10% de minimis rate in cases where there is not a cost allocation plan present (2
CFR Part 200 Cost Principles, §200.414). This standard designated by the OMB is for a more stringent
overhead allocation requirement than is required for fee determination, and so is thus a conservative factor
to use.
As labor effort and costs associated with the provision of services fluctuate over time, a significant element
in the development of any fee schedule is that it has the flexibility to remain current. Therefore, it is
recommended that the Town include an inflationary factor in the resolution adopting the fee schedule to
allow the Town Council, by resolution, to annually increase or decrease the fees.
The Town may employ many different inflationary factors. The most commonly used inflator is some form
of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) such as the Western Region CPI, as it is widely well known and accepted.
Since the primary factor for the cost of a Town’s services is usually the costs of the personnel involved, tying
an inflationary factor that connects more directly to the personnel costs can be suitable if there is a clear
method, or current practice of obtaining said factor.
Each Town should use an inflator that they believe works the best for their specific situation and needs. It
is also recommended that the Town perform this internal review annually with a comprehensive review of
services and fees performed every three to five years, which would include adding or removing fees for any
new or eliminated programs/services.
3 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Study Objective
As the Town of Fountain Hills seeks to efficiently manage limited resources and adequately respond to
increased service demands, it needs a variety of tools. These tools provide assurance that the Town has
the best information and the best resources available to make sound decisions, fairly and legitimately set
fees, maintain compliance with state law and local policies, and meet the needs of the Town administration
and its constituency. Given the limitations on raising revenue in local government, the Town recognizes that
a User Fee Study is a very cost‐effective way to understand the total cost of services and identify potential
fee deficiencies. Essentially, a User Fee is a payment for a requested service provided by a local government
that primarily benefits an individual or group.
The total cost of each service included in this analysis is based on the reasonable full cost of providing Town
services, including direct salaries and benefits of Town staff, direct departmental costs, and indirect costs
from central service support. This study determines the full cost recovery fee for the Town to provide each
service; however, each fee is set at the Town’s discretion, up to 100% of the total cost, as specified in this
report.
The principal goal of the study was to help the Town determine the full cost of the services that the Town
provides. In concert with that goal, the Willdan Team established a series of additional objectives including:
Developing a rational basis for setting fees
Ensuring compliance with State law
Developing an updatable and comprehensive list of fees
Maintaining accordance with Town policies and goals
The study results will help the Town better understand its true costs of providing services and may serve as
a basis for making informed policy decisions regarding the most appropriate fees, if any, to collect from
individuals and organizations that require individualized services from the Town.
Scope of the Study
The scope of this study encompasses a review and calculation of the user fees charged by the following
Fountain Hills departments and fee groups:
Development Services (Planning and Building)
Fire
Public Works (Engineering)
Community Services (Parks, Community Center and Special Events)
Court
Clerk
Finance
4 Comprehensive User Fee Study
The study involved the identification of existing fees, fee schedule restructuring, data collection and
analysis, orientation and consultation, quality control, communication and presentations, and calculation
of individual service costs (fees) or program cost recovery levels.
Report Objective
The User Fee Study focused on the cost of Town services, as Town staff currently provides them at existing,
known, or reasonably anticipated service and staff levels. This report provides a summary of the study
results, and a general description of the approach and methods the Willdan Team and Town staff used to
determine the recommended fee schedule. The report is not intended to document all of the numerous
discussions throughout the process.
5 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Project Approach and Methodology
Conceptual Approach
The basic concept of a User Fee Study is to determine the “reasonable cost” of each service provided by
the Town for which it charges a user fee. The full cost of providing a service may not necessarily become
the Town’s fee, but it serves as the objective basis as to the maximum amount that may be collected.
Every component of the fee study process included a related review. The use of budget figures, time
estimates, and improvement valuation clearly indicates reliance upon estimates for some data, and
subsequent cost calculation.
Fully Burdened Hourly Rates
The total cost of each service included in this analysis is primarily based on the Fully Burdened Hourly Rates
(FBHRs) that were determined for Town personnel directly involved in providing services. The FBHRs include
not only personnel salary and benefits, but also any costs that are reasonably ascribable to personnel. The
cost elements that are included in the calculation of fully burdened rates are:
Salaries & benefits of personnel involved
Operating costs applicable to fee operations
Departmental support, supervision, and administration overhead
Internal Service Costs charged to each department
Indirect Town‐wide overhead costs
An important factor in determining the fully burdened rate is in the calculation of productive hours for
personnel. This calculation takes the available workable hours in a year of 2,080 and adjusts this figure to
account for an average calculated or anticipated hours’ employees are involved in non‐billable activities
such as paid vacation, sick leave, emergency leave, holidays, and other considerations as necessary. Dividing
the full cost by the number of productive hours provides the FBHR.
The FBHRs are then used in conjunction with time estimates, when appropriate, to calculate a fees' cost
based on the personnel and the amount of their time that is involved in providing each service.
6 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Summary Steps of the Study
The methodology to evaluate most User Fee levels is straightforward and simple in concept. The following
list provides a summary of the study process steps:
Allowable Costs
This report identifies three types of costs that, when combined, constitute the fully burdened cost of a
service (Appendix A). Costs are defined as direct labor, including salary and benefits, departmental
overhead costs, and the Town’s central services
overhead, where departmental and central
service overhead costs constitute support costs.
These cost types are defined as follows:
Direct Labor (Personnel Costs): The costs
related to staff salaries for time spent
directly on fee‐related services.
Departmental Overhead: A proportional
allocation of departmental overhead
costs, including operation costs such as
supplies and materials that are necessary
for the department to function.
Central Services Overhead: These costs
represent services provided by those
Central Services Departments whose
primary function is to support other
Town departments.
Data Analysis
Department Interviews
Time Estimates
Labor Costs
Indirect Cost Allocation
Building Cost Layers
Direct Services
Indirect Services
Department Overhead
Town‐Wide Overhead
Set Fees
Define the Full Cost of
Services
Set Cost Recovery
Objectives
7 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Methodology
The two generally accepted methods of analysis for calculating fees used in this report are:
Case Study Method (Standard Unit Cost Build‐Up Approach): This approach estimates the actual
labor and material costs associated with providing a unit of service to a single user. This analysis is suitable
when Town staff time requirements do not vary dramatically for a service, or for special projects where the
time and cost requirements are easy to identify at the project’s outset. Further, the method is effective in
instances when a staff member from one department assists on an application, service or permit for
another department on an as‐needed basis. Costs are estimated based upon interviews with Town staff
regarding the time typically spent on tasks, a review of available records, and a time and materials analysis.
Programmatic Approach: The standard Case Study approach relies upon the detailed analysis of specific
time estimates, salaries and benefits, expenditures, and overhead costs. In many instances, the underlying
data are not available or vary widely, leaving a standard unit cost build‐up approach impractical. In addition,
market factors and policy concerns (as opposed to actual costs) tend to influence fee levels more than other
types of services. With these general constraints, and to maximize the utility of this analysis, the Willdan
Team employed a different methodology where appropriate to fit the programs’ needs and goals. Examples
include a community benefit from having community parks where assessing the full cost of park use may
discourage or be cost prohibitive to youth sports programs. In such cases a less than full cost may be
recommended.
Quality Control/Quality Assurance
All study components are interrelated, thus flawed data at any step in the process will cause the ultimate
results to be inconsistent and unsound. The elements of our Quality Control process for User Fee
calculations include:
Involvement of knowledgeable Town staff
Clear instructions and guidance to Town staff
Reasonableness tests and validation
Normalcy/expectation ranges
FTE balancing
Internal and external reviews
Cross‐checking
8 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Reasons for cost increases/decreases over current fees
Within the fee tables in Appendix C, there were differences identified between the full costs calculated
through the study and the fee levels currently in effect. The reasons for differences between the two can
arise from several possible factors including:
Previous fee levels may have been set at levels less than full cost intentionally, based on policy
decisions
Staffing levels and the positions that complete fee and service activity have changed
Personnel and materials costs could have increased at levels that differed from any inflationary
factors used to increase fees
Costs that this study has identified as part of the full cost of services may not have been accounted
for previously
o Departmental overhead and administration costs
o Indirect overhead
Changes in processes and procedures within a department, or the Town as a whole
Town Staff Contributions
As part of the study process, the Willdan Team received tremendous support and cooperation from Town
staff, which contributed and reviewed a variety of components to the study, including:
Budget and other cost data,
Staffing structures,
Fee and service structures, organization, and descriptions,
Direct and indirect work hours (billable/non‐billable),
Time estimates to complete work tasks,
Frequency and current fee levels,
Incorporation of the Town’s cost recovery objectives in fee suggestions,
Review of draft results and other documentation.
A User Fee Study requires significant involvement of the managers and line staff from the departments on
top of their existing workloads and competing priorities. The contributions from Town staff were critical to
this study. We would like to express our appreciation to the Town and its staff for their assistance,
professionalism, positive attitudes, helpful suggestions, responsiveness, and overall cooperation.
9 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Fountain Hills User Fees
Cost Recovery
In general, full cost recovery is determined by summing the estimated amount of time each position (in
increments of minutes or hours) spends to render a service, as well as any material costs, third party costs,
opportunity costs (in the case of renting park facilities) and any costs used to incentivize behavior (fines or
deposits). Time estimates for each service rendered were predominately determined by the Willdan Team
and Town Staff through a time and materials survey conducted for each department/division fee included
in the study. The resulting cost recovery amount represents the total cost of providing each service. The
Town’s current fee being charged for each service, if applicable, is provided in this section, as well, for
reference.
It is important to note that the time and materials survey used to determine the amount of time each
employee spends assisting in the provision of the services listed on the fee schedule is essential in
identifying the total cost of providing each service. Specifically, in providing services, several employees and
Departments are often involved in various aspects of the process, spending anywhere from a few minutes
to several hours on the service.
The principal goal of this study was to identify the cost of Town services, to provide information to help the
Town make informed decisions regarding the actual fee levels and charges. The responsibility to determine
the final fee levels is a complicated task. Town staff must consider many issues in formulating
recommendations, and the Town Council must consider those same issues in making the final decisions.
Town staff assumes the responsibility to develop specific fee level recommendations to present to the Town
Council. Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast rules to guide the Town, since many of the considerations
are based on the unique characteristics of the Town of Fountain Hills, and administrative and political
discretion.
Subsidization
Recalling the definition of a user fee helps guide decisions regarding subsidization. The general standard is
that individuals (or groups) whom receive a wholly private benefit should pay 100% of the full cost of the
services. In contrast, services that are simply public benefit should be funded entirely by the general fund’s
tax dollars. For the decision makers, many services fall into the range between these two extremes.
Of course, subsidization can be an effective public policy tool, since it can be used to reduce fees to
encourage certain activities (such as compliance inspections to ensure public safety) or allow some people
to be able to afford to receive services they otherwise could not at the full cost. In addition, subsidies can
be an appropriate and justifiable action, such as to allow citizens to rightfully access services, without
burdensome costs.
Despite the intent, it is important for the Town and public to understand that subsidies will be covered
typically by the General Fund. Therefore, the general taxpayer will potentially help to fund private benefits,
and/or other Town services will not receive funds that are otherwise directed to cover subsidies.
10 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Impact on Demand (Elasticity)
Economic principles of elasticity suggest that increased costs for services (higher fees) will eventually curtail
the demand for the services; whereas lower fees may spark an incentive to utilize the services and
encourage certain actions. Either of these conditions may be a desirable effect to the Town. However, the
level of the fees that would cause demand changes is largely unknown. The user fee study did not attempt
to evaluate the economic or behavioral impacts of higher or lower fees; nevertheless, the Town should
consider the potential impacts of these issues when deciding on fee levels.
Summary
If the Town’s principal goal of this study were to maximize revenues from user fees, and participation from
the public in Town services was guaranteed to remain constant, the Willdan Team would recommend
setting user fees at 100% of the full cost identified in this study. However, we understand that revenue
enhancement is not the only goal of a user fee study, and sometimes full‐cost recovery is not needed,
desired, or appropriate. Other Town and departmental goals, Town Council priorities, policy initiatives,
experience, implementation issues, and other internal and external factors may influence staff
recommendations and Town Council decisions. In this case, the proper identification of additional services
(new or existing services) and creation of a consistent and comprehensive fee schedule was the primary
objective of this study.
All of the fees for each department or division are summarized in Appendix C.
11 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Development Services User Fees
Planning Fees
The Planning & Zoning Division is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Fountain Hills through
innovative, proven planning techniques, and providing excellent customer service in a professional and
timely manner. The Division implements land‐use planning‐related goals, policies and programs as
approved by the Town Council. The division processes applications for zoning interpretations and
verifications, preliminary and final sub‐division plats, variances from the requirements of the Zoning
Ordinance, Temporary Use Permits, Special Use Permits, Commercial Site Plans, signs and amendments to
the General Plan and Area Specific Plans. The division also processes amendments to the Town’s
regulations, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance and Town Code.
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the services provided by the Planning Division. The review also
consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis of services in Planning relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach, whereby
we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct cost of
staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services. The time
estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify
their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the
process. In addition to the time involved in providing services, some fees reflect additional costs reflecting
material costs (such as area specific plans and amendments which includes publication, and postage costs
etc.), and penalties (for example continuance at applicant request) to incentivize behaviors to complete
applications in a timely manner. The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the
current fee amount to determine, if charged, whether the current fee would recover the costs associated
with the requested service. The analysis has shown that in general Planning services are currently under
recovering the cost of providing many services.
It is recommended 17 of the Town’s fees increase, and 2 are recommended to decrease. There are 11 fees
which are currently assessed a flat fee, for example final plats, however the recommended fee consists of
a base charge (for up to 10 lots) plus an incremental charge for each lot above 10. The fee assessed in these
instances will be higher or lower than the current fee based on the size of the development. None of the
planning fees are recommended to remain unchanged. On an individual fee basis, there are variable rates
of increase/decrease that are detailed in Appendix C.
Building Fees
The Building Safety Division uses the building codes to establish minimum requirements to safeguard the
public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress,
facilities, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, and energy conservation to life and property from fire
and other hazards attributed to the built environment, and to provide safety to fire fighters and emergency
responders during emergency operations.
12 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the services provided by the Building Division. The review also
consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis of services in Building fees relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach,
whereby we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct
cost of staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services.
The time estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to
identify their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of
the process. Additionally, almost all of the services included costs for materials and some instances
penalties (for example reinspection fees) which were included to incentivize a specific behavior.
The Town currently assesses building permit/plan check fees on a per unit basis (square foot, linear foot)
basis. Town staff indicated that the current approach is working well, and they were interested in
continuing with the approach. In order to develop fees on a per unit basis it was first necessary to develop
the cost of providing service (as described above) for a typical or standard request. With the cost of
providing the service identified, the cost was divided by the typical or standard size (square feet or linear
feet) of the project to identify an updated cost per unit. The recommended fees for building permit/plan
check fees were derived using the updated cost per unit calculation.
The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the current fee amount to determine, if
charged, whether the current fee is recovering the costs associated with the requested service. This cost
analysis yielded differing cost recovery results between the 47 current fees and the recommended fees
for each service. The recommended fees result in an increase for 30 fees and 9 fees would decrease. The
remaining 8 fees include a combination of fees that would remain unchanged or includes fees that are
currently assessed on a flat fee basis and are proposed to change to a base fee plus an incremental size
based charge (per square foot, or linear foot) which could result in an overall fee increase or decrease
depending upon the size of the development. Similarly, there is an instance of a fee that is currently
assessed based on a percentage of the building permit fee which is proposed to be assessed on a flat fee
basis. The recommended fee schedule is in Appendix C.
Miscellaneous Fees
The miscellaneous fees associated with development services are related to the production of maps.
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the map services provided by the Development Services. The
review also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis of miscellaneous services relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach,
whereby we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct
cost of staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services.
The time estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to
13 Comprehensive User Fee Study
identify their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of
the process.
The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the current fee amount to determine, if
charged, whether the current fee is recovering the costs associated with the requested service. This cost
analysis yielded differing cost recovery results between the 7 current fees and the recommended fees for
each service. One fee is recommended to increase, while four fees are recommended to decrease. The
remaining two fees are recommended to be assessed at the current level. The recommended fee
schedule is in Appendix C.
Fire User Fees
Fire fees are directly related to the building related user fees discussed in the prior section and are generally
related to various fire protection related inspections.
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the services provided by the Town’s Fire Department. The review
also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis of services in Fire fees relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach, whereby
we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct cost of
staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services. The time
estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify
their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the
process.
The Town currently assesses the fire inspection component of plan review fees on a per unit basis (square
foot) basis. Town staff indicated that the current approach is working well, and they were interested in
continuing with the approach. In order to develop fees on a per unit basis it was first necessary to develop
the cost of providing service (as described above) for a typical or standard request. With the cost of
providing the service identified, the cost was divided by the typical or standard size (square feet) of the
project to identify an updated cost per unit. The recommended fees for fire component of the plan review
fees were derived using the updated cost per unit calculation.
The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the current fee amount to determine, if
charged, whether the current fee is recovering the costs associated with the requested service. This cost
analysis yielded differing cost recovery results between the 13 current fees and the recommended fees for
each service. The recommended fees result in an increase for 8 fees and 1 fee would decrease. The
remaining 2 fees are fees that are currently assessed on a per square foot basis and are proposed to change
to a base fee plus an incremental size based charge (per square foot) which could result in an overall fee
increase or decrease depending upon the size of the development. The recommended fee schedule is in
Appendix C.
14 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Public Works Fees
Engineering Fees
The Engineering Division is responsible for the review of excavations, encroachment/engineering permits,
inspections, etc.
Analysis
The Willdan Team reviewed in conjunction with the Town the existing services provided by the Engineering
Division.
The analysis of services in Engineering relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach whereby
we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct cost of
staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services. The time
estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify
their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the
process. Additionally, almost all of the services included costs for materials and some instances penalties
(for example reinspection fees) which were included to incentivize a specific behavior.
The Town currently assesses encroachment/engineering permits on a per unit basis (square foot, linear
foot, square yard, cubic yard or sheet), while building permit/plan check fees are assessed on a per square
foot basis. Town staff indicated that the current approach is working well, and they were interested in
continuing with the approach. In order to develop fees on a per unit basis it was first necessary to develop
the cost of providing service (as described above) for a typical or standard request. With the cost of
providing the service identified, the cost was divided by the typical or standard size (square feet, linear feet
etc.) of the project to identify an updated cost per unit. The recommended fees for
encroachment/engineering permits fees were derived using the updated cost per unit calculation.
The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the current fee amount to determine
whether the current fee is recovering the costs associated with the requested service. The recommended
fees for Engineering services are in Appendix C. On an individual basis, of the 82 engineering fees, 44 fees
would increase from their current levels and four new fees would be added (traffic study, third party or
expedited reviews and inspections, inspections not associated with an active building permit, off hour
inspections). Of the remaining 34 fees, six fees are recommended to decrease, and 28 fees are
recommended to remain at the current levels.
Miscellaneous Fees
Within the Public Works fee schedule there is one miscellaneous fee, the fee per sign for Adopt a Street.
Analysis
The Willdan Team reviewed in conjunction with the Town the existing fee per sign service provided by the
Engineering Division.
15 Comprehensive User Fee Study
The analysis of fee per sign for Adopt a Street relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach
whereby we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct
cost of staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services.
The time estimates for the fee was based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify their process
in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the process.
The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the current fee amount to determine
whether the current fee is recovering the costs associated with the requested service. The recommended
fee per sign for Adopt a Street service is in Appendix C.
16 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Community Services Fees
Parks Fees
The Parks Division staff is dedicated to providing safe, clean, and green parks that will meet the intellectual,
social, cultural, and leisure needs of all park patrons. The Town’s park system has been developed to
enhance the quality of life of Fountain Hills residents with park facilities for youth and adult sports
programs, youth and teen programs, special events, and facility rentals. Each year, staff works to meet the
goals through efficient park maintenance and operations methods.
Analysis
The Willdan Team reviewed the services and programs associated with park fees. The review also consisted
of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis of most park programs encompassed facility rentals and other recreation services. The fee for
use for government owned facilities and property can be set discretionally by the Town. The cost of
acquisition, maintenance, repair, and upgrade to the Town and subsequently the community is offset
through rental or use fees. As such these fees should be set using the knowledge of activity use for the
facilities, policy desires of the Town, and market factors when desirable. It is generally accepted that some
Recreation programs provide a measure of public benefit to the residents and Town as a whole. In addition,
municipalities generally want to ensure that their programs and services remain affordable to the
community at large, and that the programs remain competitive with surrounding jurisdictions. The time
estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify
their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the
process. In addition to the time involved in providing services, some fees reflect additional costs reflecting
exclusivity such as open space fees, where the parks are being reserved for a specific purpose and therefore
not available for use by others.
The Town currently assesses 23 parks related fees. All of the fees are recommended to increase as
presented in Appendix C.
Community Center Fees
This fee area falls under the purview of Community Center Division staff as it relates to rental and use of
the Town’s community center and associated amenities.
Analysis
The Willdan Team reviewed the services and programs associated with community center fees. The review
also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis encompassed facility rentals related services. The fee for use for government owned facilities
and property can be set discretionally by the Town. The cost of acquisition, maintenance, repair, and
upgrade to the Town and subsequently the community is offset through rental or use fees. As such these
fees should be set using the knowledge of activity use for the facilities, policy desires of the Town, and
market factors when desirable. Municipalities generally want to ensure that their programs and services
17 Comprehensive User Fee Study
remain affordable to the community at large, and that the facility costs remain competitive with
surrounding jurisdictions. The time estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive
interviews with Town staff to identify their process in providing the requested service and the amount of
time they spent on each step of the process.
The Town currently assesses 34 community center related fees. Of the fees currently assed, 25 are
recommended to increase and 6 are recommended to decrease. The remaining 3 fees are related to the
setup of a dance floor which is currently assessed a fee on per piece basis whereas the recommendation is
for a flat charge. Depending upon the number of “pieces” requested, the recommended fee may be higher
or lower than what is currently assessed. All of the fees are presented in Appendix C.
Special Event Fees
This fee area falls under the purview of Recreation Division staff as it relates to special events held within
the Town and makes use of the Town’s facilities and associated amenities.
Analysis
The Willdan Team reviewed the services and programs associated with community center fees. The review
also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule.
The analysis encompassed facility rentals related services. The fee for use for government owned facilities
and property can be set discretionally by the Town. The cost of acquisition, maintenance, repair, and
upgrade to the Town and subsequently the community is offset through rental or use fees. As such these
fees should be set using the knowledge of activity use for the facilities, policy desires of the Town, and
market factors when desirable. Municipalities generally want to ensure that their programs and services
remain affordable to the community at large, and that the facility costs remain competitive with
surrounding jurisdictions. The time estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive
interviews with Town staff to identify their process in providing the requested service and the amount of
time they spent on each step of the process.
The Town currently assesses 25 special event fees. Of the fees currently assed, 7 are recommended to
increase and 17 are recommended to stay at the current level. There is 1 fee (application fee) which is
currently assessed a flat fee regardless of event size whereas the recommendation is for a higher fee for
larger events. All of the fees are presented in Appendix C.
18 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Court Fees
The Fountain Hills Municipal Court is the judicial branch of the Fountain Hills government.
As part of the Arizona State Court System, the Fountain Hills Municipal Court is subject to the authority and
administrative supervision of the Arizona Supreme Court. The Fountain Hills Municipal Court has legal
obligations and reporting responsibilities to the State, as well as to the Town of Fountain Hills.
In addition to the Presiding Judge, the Fountain Hills Municipal Court has a Court Administrator and
supporting court service specialists for providing the administrative, clerical, scheduling, record‐keeping
and reporting functions of the Court. All are committed to the mission of the Court ‐ to provide professional,
fair, efficient and respectful service to our citizens in the administration of justice.
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the services and programs associated with the Municipal Court.
The review also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fee schedule. As a component
of the review Town Staff identified which fees were mandated by either State Statutes or the Supreme
Court.
The analysis of Court services relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach, whereby we
determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct cost of staff
and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services. The time
estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify
their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the
process. Additionally, there were some instances where there were costs for materials (for example
photocopy services) that were included and instances of penalties (for example civil traffic defaults) which
were included to incentivize a specific behavior. There were also some services such as Public Defender
which are assessed at the actual cost of the appointed attorney, while other fees are dictated by State
Statute (ARS 22‐281).
The Willdan Team then compared the calculated full cost against the current fee amount to determine, if
charged, whether the current fee would recover the costs associated with the requested service. Also,
comparisons were undertaken to show what surrounding municipalities are charging for similar services.
The fee recommendations result in 5 of the 11 fees are proposed to see an increase, 2 are proposed to see
a decrease, 3 are recommended to be assessed based on actual or third party costs and the remaining 1 is
proposed to stay at the current level as presented in Appendix C.
19 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Clerk Fees
Clerk fees are related to campaign fees within the Town.
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the services and programs associated with clerk fees. The review
also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fees.
The analysis of clerk services herein relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach, whereby
we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct cost of
staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services. The time
estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to identify
their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of the
process. As a result, the 2 clerk fees are proposed to stay at their current levels as presented in Appendix
C.
20 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Finance Fees
Finance fees provide a variety of services for residents and visitors in the Town. Responsibilities include,
business license fees, false alarms, wireless communications, alcohol license, copying public records and
more.
Analysis
The Willdan Team individually reviewed the services and programs associated with finance fees. The review
also consisted of an evaluation of existing services to update the fees.
The analysis of finance services herein relied primarily upon a standard unit cost build‐up approach,
whereby we determined the reasonable cost of each fee occurrence using staff time to recover the direct
cost of staff and pro‐rata share of departmental costs, including indirect costs for Town Central Services.
The time estimates for each of the individual fees were based on extensive interviews with Town staff to
identify their process in providing the requested service and the amount of time they spent on each step of
the process. A total of 63 finance related fees were identified in the study. Of the 63 fees, 44 are
recommended to increase and 18 are recommended to remain unchanged. The Town currently has an art
commission fee of 20% of the selling price of the artwork. The recommendation is to change to a flat fee
of $35 per transaction. Depending upon the selling price this may result in an increase or a decrease from
the current fee. The Town’s finance fees are presented in Appendix C.
21 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Appendix A – Total Allowable Cost to be Recovered
Below are the total allowable costs that may be recovered through User Fees; however, only a percentage
of the total allowable cost is realized as staff not only works on services related to User Fees, but also works
on an array of other Town functions during the operational hours of the Town. The amounts listed below
will not reconcile to Town budgets as costs that should not be included in overhead for personnel in the
application of determining fully burdened hourly rates were excluded. Examples of these costs are capital,
debt, monetary transfers, contract costs, and any other costs that is charged directly to the service
requestor.
Town of Fountain Hills ‐ User Fee
Overhead Rate Calculations
Department
Salary and
Benefits
Department
Operations &
Administration
Direct
Overhead %
Indirect
Allocation %
Town Manager 294,115 51,904 17.6% 0.0%
Information Tech 97,705 70,391 72.0% 0.0%
Town Clerk 148,300 59,292 40.0% 0.0%
Administrative Services 126,581 19,508 15.4% 0.0%
Finance 333,396 188,457 56.5% 0.0%
Court 297,637 22,769 7.6% 0.0%
Community Services 1,091,016 285,657 26.2% 10.0%
Development Services 648,618 53,348 8.2% 10.0%
Public Works 315,389 173,873 55.1% 10.0%
Streets 368,203 134,204 36.4% 10.0%
Council 64,250 13,530 21.1% 0.0%
Fire 3,518,819 363,014 10.3% 10.0%
22 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Appendix B – Fully Burdened Hourly Rates
Below are fully burdened hourly rates of staff positions that provide for the services detailed in the report.
The FBHRs were used to determine the full cost of each service. They include the salary and benefit costs
for each position as well as all applicable overhead amounts for each position. When a central service
department position works on a fee or project in the purview of an operating department, the overhead
rates of the operating department (shown in Appendix A) will be applied to that central service positions’
salary and benefit rate for full cost recovery. For any user fee service request that is outside the scope of
the fees detailed, or for services for which there is no fee currently set, the Town can charge up to the full
cost of the FBHR for personnel involved.
Town of Fountain Hills ‐ User Fee
Fully Burdened Hourly Rate Calculation
Department Position
Fully Burdened
Hourly Rate
Position Rates
Administrative Services Admin - Administrative Services Director 92.90
Administrative Services Admin - Economic Develop Analyst 66.01
Administrative Services Admin - Economic Develop Director 106.27
Administrative Services Admin - Procurement Officer 56.63
Town Clerk Clerk - Account Clerk 32.97
Town Clerk Clerk - Town Clerk 119.43
Court Court - Court Administrator 61.95
Court Court - Presiding Judge 93.36
Community Services CS - Activities Coordinator 31.96
Community Services CS - Communication & Marketing Coordinator 56.06
Community Services CS - Community Center Manager 70.49
Community Services CS - Community Services Director 111.00
Community Services CS - Customer Service Rep II 38.69
Community Services CS - Executive Assistant 60.29
Community Services CS - Home Delivered Meals Coordinator 31.93
Community Services CS - Lead Operations Support Worker 33.27
Community Services CS - Lead Park Attendant 26.64
Community Services CS - Operations Coordinator-Community Center 56.41
Community Services CS - Operations Support Worker 29.84
Community Services CS - Park Attendant 27.49
Community Services CS - Park Operations Lead 49.08
Community Services CS - Parks Manager 74.32
Community Services CS - Recreation Manager 81.50
Community Services CS - Recreation Program Coordinator 57.00
Community Services CS - Senior Programs Supervisor 65.39
23 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Town of Fountain Hills ‐ User Fee
Fully Burdened Hourly Rate Calculation
Department Position
Fully Burdened
Hourly Rate
Position Rates
Development Services Dev Serv - Building Permit Technician 44.45
Development Services Dev Serv - Chief Building Official/Plans Examiner 88.36
Development Services Dev Serv - Code Enforcement Officer 46.14
Development Services Dev Serv - Development Services Director 93.47
Development Services Dev Serv - Executive Assistant 43.54
Development Services Dev Serv - GIS Technician/CAD Operator 66.42
Development Services Dev Serv - Senior Building Inspector 67.58
Development Services Dev Serv - Senior Code Enforcement Officer 54.51
Development Services Dev Serv - Senior Planner 71.04
Finance Fin - Accountant 74.02
Finance Fin - Customer Service Rep II 37.53
Finance Fin - Finance Director 130.48
Finance Fin - Financial Services Technician 60.22
Fire Fire - Fire Marshall 96.58
Information Tech IT - I/T Administrator 106.89
Information Tech IT - I/T Support Specialist 73.97
Town Manager Manager - Communications and Marketing Coordinator 47.52
Town Manager Manager - Town Manager 117.17
Town Manager Manager - Volunteer Coordinator 47.52
Public Works PW - Assistant Town Engineer 114.22
Public Works PW - Civil Engineer Inspector 63.98
Public Works PW - Custodian 48.51
Public Works PW - Executive Assistant 62.41
Public Works PW - Facilities Maintenance Tech 80.20
Public Works PW - Facilities/Environmental Supervisor 100.91
Public Works PW - Public Works Director 142.06
Public Works PW - Town Engineer 153.35
Streets Streets - Civil Engineer Inspector 56.28
Streets Streets - Fleet Mechanic/Open Space 74.12
Streets Streets - Public Works Director 124.95
Streets Streets - Street Maintenance Tech 56.71
Streets Streets - Street Superintendent 106.16
24 Comprehensive User Fee Study
Appendix C – Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary
The following tables provide the summary results of the analysis, full cost recovery amount, and recommended fees.
For fees in which the full cost or percent change is listed as “NA”, the amount or percentage was not calculable
based on cost data or variable fee structure. This is most common when either the current or the suggested fee
includes a variable component that is not comparable on a one to one basis, a full cost was not calculated (for
penalties and fines), or when there is not a current fee amount to compare against. For rental or use of Town
property the revenues serve to offset the cost of purchasing, maintaining, operating, and improving the publicly
owned property. The cost of the facilities themselves were not determined as part of this study, so the full cost is
noted by “NA” as well.
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Development Services
Planning Fees
Administrative Use Permit/Temporary Sign
Permit
$25.00 (1)$50.00 $138.24
Appeal of a Decision by the Zoning
Administrator
$1,000.00 $1,530.00 $1,536.51
Comprehensive Sign Plans and amendments $200.00 $280.00 $284.32
Commercial/Industrial/Multi‐Family Site Plan
Review
$500.00 $680.00 for first
5,000 square feet
of property, then
$130.00 for every
thousand square
feet thereafter
$684.27
Continuance at Applicant Request $250.00 $140.00 $144.58
Cut & Fill Waiver $300.00 $350.00 $358.36
Development Agreements $5,000.00 $3,975.00 for up
to 5 acres, plus
$795.00 per acre
thereafter
$3,975.09
Development Agreements ‐ Amendment $5,000.00 $1,900.00 for up to
5 acres plus
$380.00 per acre
thereafter
$1,909.69
Final Plats $1,500.00 $1,690.00 for up to
10 lots plus $169
per lot thereafter
$1,698.09
General Plan Amendments ‐ Minor $3,000.00 $2,500.00 for the
first 5 acres plus
$500.00 per acre
thereafter
$2,516.43
General Plan Amendments ‐ Major $5,000.00 $3,760.00 for the
first 40 acres plus
$94.00 per acre
thereafter
$3,762.65
Hillside Protection Easement (HPE)$20.00 $170.00 Plus
recording fees
$174.92
Landscape Plan Review $420.00 $510.00 $511.64
Public Notice in Newspaper (for all actions
requiring newspaper notifications)
Actual newspaper
posting cost plus
$10.00 processing
$260.00 (2)$261.68
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-1
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Notification fee (for allactions requiring mailed
notifications)
$5.00 $175.00 (3)$175.42
Ordinances (Text Amendments) $2,000.00 $1,975.00 $1,976.78
Planned Area Developments (PAD) $2,000.00 $3,620.00 for the
first 5 acres plus
$725.00 per acre
th ft
$3,623.72
Planned Area Developments (PAD) ‐
Amendment
$2,000.00 $1,850.00 for the
first 5 acres plus
$370.00 per acre
thereafter
$1,851.86
Plat Abandonments $500.00 $1,150.00 plus
County Fees (4)
$1,154.45
Preliminary Plats $2,000.00 $2,045.00 for the
first 10 lots, plus
$205.00 per lot
thereafter
$2,047.23
Recording Fees (subject to change without
notice)
$10.00 $150.00 $153.62
Replats (lot joins, lot divisions, lot line
adjustments)
$500.00 $575.00 $577.41
Rezones (Map) $2,000.00 $3,623.00 up to 10
acres plus $360.00
per acre thereafter
$3,623.72
Saguaro Cactus Permit $90.00 $110.00 $112.95
Special Use Permits and amendments $500.00 $2,000.00 $2,073.47
Temporary Use Permits $200.00 $230.00 plus
notification
$234.61
Temporary Visitor Permit (RV Parking): $25.00 $50.00 $52.66
Tract Housing $500.00 $325.00 plus
$100.00 per façade
$326.72
Variances $1,000.00 $1,190.00 for the
first variance plus
$300.00 for each
additional variance
$1,190.83
Zoning Verification Letter $200.00 $280.00 $284.78
(1) Plus mailing costs
(2) Plus actual newspaper posting costs
(3) Plus $5 per mailing label
(4) Minimum $150 recording fee
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-2
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Building Fees
Building Permit/Plan Check Single Family Residential:
Single Family Homes (Includes Permit and
Plan Review)
Livable Area with A/C $0.75 $0.73 $0.73
Covered Area: Garage and/or Patio (non A/C)$0.45 $0.55 $0.55
Single Family Addition $0.75 $0.73 $0.73
Single Family Remodel $0.23 $0.24 $0.24
Single Family Remodel non A/C $0.14 $0.15 $0.15
Specialized Permits (Includes Permit and Plan
Review)
Solar Photovoltaic $140.00 $150.00 $154.21
Fence Walls $70.00 $200.00 for first
100 feet plus $2.00
per linear foot
$213.56
Retaining Walls $70.00 $300.00 for 100
linear feet plus
$3.20 per linear
foot thereafter
$319.68
Pools & Spas Attached $290.00 $320.00 up to 450
square feet plus
$0.72 per square
foot above 450
$323.01
Stand Alone Spas $235.00 $140.00 $154.21
Landscape Deposit $420.00 $2,500.00
refundable
deposit. Deposit
required for
Certificate of
Occupancy (C
of O) if landscaping
is not installed;
refundable upon
landscaping
approval by Town
within six (6)
months.
$2,500.00
Miscellaneous Plan Review/Inspection (1
hour minimum)
One Discipline Permit $70.00 $140.00 $143.99
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-3
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Minimum Plan Review $70.00 $115.00 $118.94
Addendum $70.00 $115.00 $118.94
Demolition (minor)$120.00 $60.00 $64.18
Plan Review Add On (After 3rd Review) 50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
$590.85
Reinspection Fee $150.00 $170.00 $193.36
Permit Extensions ‐ Residential new
construction only (If Town has all records and
within current Code cycle)
$400.00 $460.00 as a
penalty
$462.52
Permit Extensions ‐ Residential remodel only
(If Town has all records and within current
Code cycle)
$100.00 $120.00 $120.34
Penalty for failure to obtain a building permit 50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
100% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
$113.37
Building Permit/Plan Check Commercial:
Commercial/Tenant Building Permit (Includes
Permit and Plan Review)
Area with A/C $0.75 $0.80 $0.80
Covered Area (non A/C) $0.45 $0.65 $0.65
Commercial Building Addition
Area with A/C $0.75 $0.80 $0.80
Covered Area (non ‐ A/C) $0.45 $0.65 $0.65
Commercial Remodel (Existing)
Area with A/C $145.00 $585.00 for 3,000
square feet plus
$0.20 per square
foot thereafter
$587.36
Covered Area (non ‐ A/C) $145.00 $275.00 for 3,000
square feet plus
$0.09 per square
foot thereafter
$278.09
Apartments/Condominiums
Livable Area with A/C $0.60 $1.10 $1.13
Covered Area (non ‐ A/C) $0.37 $0.75 $0.78
Landscape Plan Review $420.00 $50.00 $50.52
Miscellaneous Permits (Plan Review Fee is
Separate)
$70.00 $13.00 $13.00
Minimum Permit (one discipline) $70.00 $140.00 $143.99
Sign Permit, less than 32 square feet
(New/Modified)
$190.00 $85.00 $87.61
Sign Permit, 32 or greater square feet
(New/modified)
$240.00 $105.00 $105.37
Miscellaneous Plan Review
Minimum Plan Review/Inspection ( 1 hour
minimum)
$70.00 $115.00 $118.94
Revisions to Approved Plans $70.00 $170.00 $174.21
Plumbing ‐ Water heater replacement/solar
(minor)
$70.00 $140.00 $138.99
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-4
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Mechanical ‐ HVAC replacement (minor) $70.00 $140.00 $138.99
Electrical ‐ panel repair (minor) $70.00 $150.00 $138.99
Demolition (minor) $120.00 $60.00 $64.18
Plan Review Add On (After 3rd Review) 50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
Reinspection Fee $150.00 $170.00 $168.34
Permit Extensions ‐ Commercial new
construction only (If Town has all
records and within current Code cycle)
$400.00 $460.00 $462.52
Permit Extensions ‐ Commercial remodel only
(If Town has all records and within current
Code cycle)
$100.00 $120.00 $120.34
Penalty for failure to obtain a building permit 50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
50% of Bldg
Permit/Plan
Review Fee
$113.37
Refund for cancelled Commercial
Building permit (must be done in writing)
35% of building
permit fee paid ‐
request must be
made within 180
days of original
payment
35% of building
permit fee paid ‐
request must be
made within 180
days of original
payment
$28.34
Appeal of Decision by Building Official/Fire
Marshall
$1,000.00 $1,000.00 All fees
include up to 3
reviews by staff.
Any additional
reviews will be
subject to an
additional fee
$1,030.30
Planning Fees ‐ Miscellaneous
Maps:
8 1/2" x 11"$3.00 $3.00 $17.10
11" x 17" Street/Index Map "Typical"$6.00 $5.00 $17.60
11" x 17" Aerial Site Plan $20.00 $18.00 $17.60
24" x 36" Custom Map $20.00 $20.00 $21.60
36" x 36" Bldg/Plat/Zoning Map $30.00 $25.00 $26.60
60" x 60" Street/Bldg/Develop/Plat/Plot $50.00 $35.00 $36.60
Map Book $25.00 $100.00 $102.78
Fire Fees
Residential Automatic Sprinkler System
Plan Review/Inspection
$0.05 $340.00 for up to
4,400 square feet
then $0.08 per
square foot
$341.04
Commercial Automatic Sprinkler System
Plan Review/Inspection
$0.10 $340.00 for the
first 3,000 square
feet then $0.11 per
square foot
$341.04
Commercial Auto Sprinkler System
Modification Plan Review/Inspection
$75.00 $195.00 $196.17
Commercial Hood System Plan
Review/Inspection
$100.00 $290.00 $292.75
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-5
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Commercial Fire Alarm System Plan
Review/Inspection
$100.00 $385.00 $389.34
Commercial Fire Alarm System
Modification Plan Review/Inspection
$50.00 $385.00 $389.34
Residential LPG Installation
Review/Inspection
$50.00 $170.00 $173.20
Annual Adult Residential Group Care
Inspection
$100.00 $130.00 $131.78
Annual Commercial Fire Inspection Fee $0.00 $0.00 $107.63
Tent Permit Fee (any tent over 200 square $100.00 $65.00 $67.39
Reinspection Fee (beyond one re‐check)$150.00 $150.00 $157.88
Abatement Fees:
Inspection fee $70.00 $340.00 $341.04
Reinspection fee $150.00 $340.00 $341.04
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-6
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Public Works
Excavations/In‐Lieu Fees:
Base fee (per excavation)$250.00 $250.00 $253.27
Trench cut fees:
Newly paved or overlayed 0 ‐ 1 yrs.$55.00 $55.00 $55.00
Newly paved or overlayed 1 ‐ 2 yrs.$45.00 $45.00 $45.00
Newly paved or overlayed 2 ‐ 3 yrs.$35.00 $35.00 $35.00
Newly paved or overlayed 3 ‐ 4 yrs.$25.00 $25.00 $25.00
Newly paved or overlayed 4 ‐ 5 yrs.$15.00 $15.00 $15.00
Newly paved or overlayed 5 ‐ 6 yrs.$10.00 $10.00 $10.00
Slurry or chip sealed 0 ‐ 2 years $4.00 $4.00 $4.00
Pavement replacement greater than 300 feet
in length
$2.50 $2.50 $2.50
Utility Pit fees:
Newly paved or overlayed 0 ‐ 1 yrs.$5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Newly paved or overlayed 1 ‐ 2 yrs.$4.50 $4.50 $5.00
Newly paved or overlayed 2 ‐ 3 yrs.$3.50 $3.50 $5.00
Newly paved or overlayed 3 ‐ 4 yrs.$2.50 $2.50 $5.00
Newly paved or overlayed 4 ‐ 5 yrs.$1.50 $1.50 $5.00
Newly paved or overlayed 5 ‐ 6 yrs.$1.00 $1.00 $5.00
Slurry or chip sealed 0 ‐ 2 years $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
Adjustment (MH, valve, monument, etc.)$500.00 $500.00 $1,500.00
Striping $0.55 $3.00 $145.69
Lane Markers $150.00 $175.00 $176.93
Stop Bars $2.50 $3.00 $176.93
Crosswalks $0.79 $3.00 $176.93
RPMs $7.00 $7.00 $176.93
Seal‐Coat $2.00 $3.00 $270.64
Encroachment/Engineering Permits:
Base Permit Fee $70.00 $200.00 $209.50
2"/6" Paving A.C.$0.35 $2.25 $2.30
Permanent Barricading $25.00 $220.00 $222.23
Guard Rail/Hand Rail $0.20 $1.50 $1.74
Survey Monuments $10.00 $145.00 $145.69
Concrete Aprons $15.00 $145.00 $145.69
Scuppers $15.00 $145.00 $145.69
Review for Adjustments MH, etc.$10.00 $145.00 $145.69
4" Paving ‐ PC Concrete $0.22 $1.45 $1.46
Decorative Sidewalk or Paving $0.30 $2.70 $2.71
Sidewalk & Bike path $0.30 $2.70 $2.71
Curb & Gutter $0.20 $1.70 $1.74
Valley Gutter $0.50 $1.45 $1.46
Sign (regulator, street etc.)$5.00 $145.00 $145.69
Pavement Cuts $2.00 $1.45 $1.46
Driveway/Driveway Modifications $30.00 $145.00 $145.69
Utility, Water Line, Sewer Line Trench ‐
Paved
$0.15 $2.00 $2.02
Utility, Water Line, Sewer Line Trench ‐
Unpaved
$0.15 $1.45 $1.46
Storm Drain Pipe $2.00 $1.70 $1.74
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-7
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Catch Basins, Headwells $50.00 $145.00 $145.69
Cutoff Walls $0.35 $1.45 $1.46
Slope Protection $0.30 $1.45 $1.46
Rip Rap $0.90 $1.45 $1.46
Retaining Wall $1.53 $1.45 $1.46
Cut/Fill (Materials Moved)$0.40 $2.00 $2.02
Box Culverts 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
Miscellaneous 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
Landscaping 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
Irrigation 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
Lighting 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
Grading 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
Utility Splice/Repair Pits Up to 25 square feet
(outside pvmt)
$2.00 $140.00 $5.83
Other 5% of engineer
estimate
5% of engineer
estimate
$0.00
In Lieu Payments Calculated for cuts
greater than 300
feet in length
n/a n/a
Traffic Control Plan Review $200.00 $170.00 $173.83
Engineering Plan Review Fee $350.00 $575.00 per sheet
(includes three
reviews) $190 per
sheet for each
subsequent review
$576.10
Failure to obtain an Encroachment Permit $200.00 $230.00 $230.10
Failure to obtain a Final Inspection $100.00 $170.00 $173.83
Reinspection Fee $150.00 $150.00 $161.28
Investigation Fee for Work Done Without
Permit
$250.00 or the
permit fee,
whichever is
greater, but not to
exceed $2,500.00
for every day or a
portion of a day
from the time
unpermitted work
began until a
permit is obtained.
$400.00 or the
permit fee,
whichever is
greater, but not to
exceed $2,500.00
for every day or a
portion of a day
from the time
unpermitted work
began until a
permit is obtained.
$423.83
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-8
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Oversize/Overweight Vehicle Permit $210.00 $250.00 $275.34
Haul Route Permit (greater than or equal to
500 cubic yards)
$210.00 $160.00 $166.73
Failure to barricade or improper barricading Up to $1,000.00 $1,00.00 to
$5,000.00
$138.59
Permit Extension $50.00 $50.00 $51.81
Penalty for work w/o permit 50% of Permit Fee 50% of Permit Fee NA
Minimum Plan Review $70.00 $115.00 $143.99
Traffic Study ‐ Cost to recover staff time and
materials
New $150.00 base fee
plus $50.00 per
additional
locationrequest
$166.73
Easement or Right‐of‐Way Abandonment $350.00 $730.00 $730.88
Hillside Protection Reconfiguration and/or
Replacement of Hillside Protection Easement
$350.00 $350.00 $370.78
Revocation Administrative Fee $300.00 $60.00 $62.75
Engineering Plan Review Fee $350.00 $1,610.00 $1,614.47
Final Plat Improvement:
Plan Checking $350.00 $1,750.00 $1,756.54
Except water and sewer plans $175.00 $1,610.00 $1,614.47
Water and sewer plans only $200.00 $1,610.00 $1,614.47
Engineering Report/Calculations Review Fee
(Drainage, Environmental, Traffic, Structural,
Water, Sewer, etc.)
$350.00 $1,535.00 $1,538.45
New/Address Change $25.00 $50.00 $104.63
Third‐Party or Expedited Plan Review &
Inspections
New Actual costs for
third party
NA
Inspections not associated with an active
Building Permit
New $60.00 $59.28
Off‐Hours Inspections (Nights & Weekends)New $85.00 $84.41
Public Works Fees ‐ Miscellaneous
Adopt a Street:
Fee, per sign $30.00 $60.00 $295.42
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-9
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Community Services
Parks Fees
Park Rental Fees ‐ Resident:
Small Ramada ‐ 2 hour minimum $10.00 $15.00 $26.31
Saguaro Ramada ‐ 2 hour minimum $20.00 $30.00 $39.64
Meeting Rooms 2 hour minimum $10.00 $15.00 $26.31
Athletic Fields ‐ 2 hour minimum $15.00 $20.00 $26.31
Sports Courts ‐ 1 hour reservation $5.00 $10.00 $46.05
Half Day Open Park space, including
Amphitheater, Avenue of the Fountains
Plaza, Great Lawn, Centennial Circle and
other lawns
$400.00 $800.00 $1,354.46
Full Day Open Park space, including
Amphitheater, Avenue of the Fountains
Plaza, Great Lawn, Centennial Circle and
other lawns
$750.00 $1,500.00 $2,354.46
Park Rental Fees ‐ Non‐Resident/Commercial:
Small Ramada ‐ 2 hour minimum $15.00 $22.50 $26.31
Saguaro Ramada ‐ 2 hour minimum $30.00 $40.00 $39.64
Meeting Rooms 2 hour minimum $15.00 $20.00 $26.31
Athletic Fields ‐ 2 hour minimum $22.50 $30.00 $26.31
Sports Courts ‐ 1 hour reservation $10.00 $15.00 $46.05
Half Day Open Park space, including
Amphitheater, Avenue of the Fountains
Plaza, Great Lawn, Centennial Circle and
other lawns
$750.00 $1,350.00 $1,354.46
Full Day Open Park space, including
Amphitheater, Avenue of the Fountains
Plaza, Great Lawn, Centennial Circle and
other lawns
$1,400.00 $2,350.00 $2,354.46
Park Rental Fee Extras:
Power Distribution Box Rental Fee & Deposit $15.00 $25.00 plus $200
deposit
$1,220.88
Quick Coupler n/a $25.00 plus $200
deposit
$227.80
Athletic Field Lights (2 hour minimum)$10.00 $15.00 $50.88
Athletic Field Prep – Baseball/Softball $25.00 $30.00 $46.64
Athletic Field Prep – Soccer/Football $25.00 $500.00 $522.42
Batting Cage Rental ‐ 1 hour n/a $10.00 $46.05
Alcohol Permit with Park Reservation $10.00 $20.00 $39.64
Fountain Operation $265.00 $300.00 $307.28
Staff ‐ 2 hour minimum $21.00 ‐ $38.00 $40.00 $52.80
Community Center Fees
Community Center Rentals ‐ Resident/Organization:
Classrooms ‐ 2 hour minimum $17.00 $25.00 $86.41
Ballroom ‐ Per Ballroom; Minimum 4 hours
Lobby $34.00 $50.00 $192.16
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-10
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Weekend Rates: Friday & Saturday (no
rentals on Sunday)
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-11
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Ballroom ‐ Per Ballroom; Minimum 4 hours $41.00 $75.00 $192.16
Groups meeting 6 or More Times per Year 50% of
Resident/Non‐
Profit rate
Rent 5 Times Get
6th Rental Free
Community Center Rentals ‐ Non‐Resident/Commercial:
Classrooms ‐ 2 hour minimum $39.00 $50.00 $86.41
Ballroom ‐ Per Ballroom; Minimum 4 hours $83.00 $100.00 $192.16
Lobby $69.00 $100.00 $192.16
Weekend Rates: Friday & Saturday (no
rentals on Sunday)
Ballroom ‐ Per Ballroom; Minimum 4 hours $124.00 $75.00 $192.16
Groups meeting 6 or More Times per Year 50% of
Resident/Non‐
Profit rate
Rent 5 Times Get
6th Rental Free
Community Center Extra Service Fees ‐ Non‐Resident/Commercial:
Video Projector $75.00 $55.00 plus
$300.00 deposit
$556.41
Flat Screen TV $50.00 $55.00 plus
$500.00 deposit
$1,031.72
Small Screen $10.00 $55.00 plus
$250.00 deposit
$278.20
Large Screen (8' x 10')$20.00 $55.00 plus
$600.00 deposit
$642.30
Ping Pong Table $30.00 $55.00 plus
$500.00 deposit
$528.20
Sound Reinforcement
Wireless Microphones $15.00 $25.00 $28.20
Speaker Table (Includes Mixing Board)$15.00 $25.00 $28.20
Conference Phone $20.00 $55.00 plus
$100.00 deposit
$109.40
Portable Sound System (Includes Mixing
Board and/or Portable Speaker)
$50.00 $85.00 plus
$500.00 deposit
$528.20
Electricity (per booth)$0.00 n/a $0.00
Portable White Board $10.00 $5.00 $61.72
Walker Display Board $10.00 $5.00 $61.72
Items for Sale $0.00 $5.00 $0.00
Miscellaneous $0.00 n/a $0.00
Dance Floor ‐ per 3' x 3' parquet square (15' x
15')
$5.00 $225.00 $875.62
Dance Floor ‐ per 3' x 3' parquet square (18' x
18')
$5.00 $280.00 $1,182.03
Dance Floor ‐ per 3' x 3' parquet square (21' x
21')
$5.00 $325.00 $1,563.44
Staging 6' x 8" section (1 piece)$10.00 $25.00 $356.41
Coffee Service $5.00 $20.00 $56.41
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-12
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Portable Bar $50.00 $50.00 plus
$250.00 deposit
$306.41
Labor Charges $25.00 $55.00 $56.41
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-13
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Senior Services Annual Membership Fees:
Resident $20.00 $30.00 $190.35
Non ‐ Resident $30.00 $45.00 $190.35
Special Event Fees
Special Events Permits:
Special Event Permits ‐ Food/Event Vendors
Application Fee $350.00 $0.00 to $500.00 $564.24
Special Event Permits ‐ Business
Application Fee ‐ Business (If submitted at
least 60 days prior to the event date)
$100.00 $300.00 $314.24
Application Fee ‐ If submitted 59 days or
less prior to the event date
$300.00 $550.00 $564.24
Permit Fee $50.00 $50.00 $53.88
Special Event Permits ‐ Non‐Profit
Application Fee ‐ Charitable Organization (If
submitted at least 60 days prior to the
event date)
$50.00 $150.00 $314.24
Application Fee ‐ If submitted 59 days or
less prior to the event date
$200.00 $275.00 $564.24
Permit Fee $25.00 $50.00 $84.63
Special Event Permits ‐ Extra Fees
Special Event Liquor Application Fee See alcohol license
application fees ‐
non‐refundable
$25.00 $599.34
Special Event Permits ‐ Park Fee (Open Park
space: amphitheater, AOTF Plaza, Great
Lawn, Other)
Non‐Profit:
Small Event $400.00/$750.00 $400.00/$750.00 $0.00
Medium Event $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $0.00
Large Event $3,500.00 $3,500.00 $0.00
Business/Commercial:
Small Event $750.00/$1,400.00 $750.00/$1,400.00 $0.00
Medium Event $2,500.00 $2,500.00 $0.00
Large Event $3,500.00 $3,500.00 $0.00
Special Event Permits ‐ Deposit Fees
Events with less than 1,000 attendance $500.00 $500.00
Events with 1,000 ‐ 1,999 attendance $1,000.00 $1,000.00
Events with 2,000 ‐ 5,000 attendance $2,500.00 $2,500.00
Events with over 5,000 attendance $5,000.00 $5,000.00
Special Event Permit Fees ‐ Road Closure
Admin Fees
Events with less than 1,000 attendance $500.00 $500.00
Events with 1,000 ‐ 1,999 attendance $750.00 $750.00
Events with 2,000 ‐ 5,000 attendance $1,000.00 $1,000.00
Events with over 5,000 attendance $1,500.00 $1,500.00
Special Event Permit Fees ‐ Vendor
Compliance Fine
First time penalty $250.00 $250.00 $293.88
Recurring penalty $750.00 $750.00 $793.88
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-14
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Film permit application $50.00 $85.00 $84.63
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-15
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Court Fees
Non‐Sufficient Funds (checks returned to
Court)
$30.00 $50.00 $63.55
Public Defender Actual costs for
appointed attorney
Actual costs for
appointed attorney
$0.00
Jail Reimbursement Actual costs billed
by County for jail
time served
Actual costs billed
by County for jail
time served
$0.00
Jury Costs (assessed if jury trial canceled within
five days of trial)
Actual
administrative
costs
Actual
administrative
costs
$0.00
Civil Traffic Default $50.00 $50.00 $55.49
Warrant $50.00 $65.00 $66.37
Diversion Program Rescheduling $25.00 $22.00 $22.40
Court Clerk $17.00 $28.00 $10.49
Court User $30.00 $10.00 $10.49
Public Records Search $2.00 $28.00 $26.45
Certified Copies $17.00 $28.00 $25.76
Clerk Fees
Campaign Fees:
Pro/Con Argument Fee $100.00 $100.00 $109.72
Campaign Finance ‐ Late Filing Fee $10.00 $10.00 $10.00
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-16
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Finance Fees
Services:
Notarization $2.00 $2.00 $2.00
Affix Town Seal $2.00 $5.00 $5.71
Returned Check Fee $30.00 $50.00 $63.55
Convenience Fee ‐ credit card payment $3.00 $4.00 $4.76
Art Commission 20% of selling price $35.00 $37.93
Copies
Photocopies 8 1/2 x 11 $0.50 $0.65 $3.63
Photocopies 8 1/2 x 14 $0.60 $0.70 $3.73
Photocopies 11 x 17 $0.70 $0.75 $3.83
Reports:
License Report (Non ‐ Commercial Use) $25.00 $30.00 $33.55
License Report (Commercial Use) $50.00 $30.00 $33.55
Business License Fees:
New Business License $50.00 $50.00 $53.46
Annual renewal fee for business within the
Town limits
$35.00 $35.00 $38.30
Annual renewal fee for business without a
fixed place of business within the Town limits
$50.00 $50.00 $58.30
Late fee for renewal of business license fee 25% of renewal fee 25% of renewal fee $20.00
Penalty for operating a business without a
license
$100.00 $150.00 $170.55
Peddlers, solicitors and mobile merchants $250.00 $250.00 $267.02
Peddler investigation fee (per person)$41.00 $55.00 $59.97
Promoters of entertainments, circuses,
bazaars, etc., who receive a percentage of
receipts or other consideration for their
services. Each such promoter shall also
obtain liability insurance of a minimum of $1
million naming the Town as insured.
$100.00 $150.00 $162.02
Handbill Distributor $10.00 $50.00 $67.02
Amusement Company, such as ferris wheel,
merry ‐ go ‐ round, etc., not part of a circus.
Tent Show. Wrestling Exhibition. Road Show,
Carnival or Circus.
$100.00 $150.00 $149.96
Practice of palmistry, phrenology, astrology,
fortune telling, mind reading, clairvoyancy,
magic or any healing practices not licensed
by the State of Arizona, or any similar calling
without a fixed place of business
$50.00 $50.00 $53.46
Duplicate Business License $10.00 $15.00 $16.14
Verification of License Letter $10.00 $15.00 $16.14
False Alarm Service Charges:
First and Second None $0.00 $67.38
Third $50.00 $100.00 $127.20
Fourth $75.00 $150.00 $152.20
Fifth and Sixth $100.00 $175.00 $177.20
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-17
Description Current Fee/Charge Proposed Fee
Full Cost
Recovery
Seventh or more $200.00 $275.00 $277.20
Wireless Communications:Per State Statute
Lease Agreement Application Fee, each $250.00 $285.00 $287.12
Amendments to Cell Tower Lease $250.00 $285.00 $287.12
Small Cell Wireless Facilities: (all fees are non‐
refundable)
$0.00
ROW Use Fee $50.00 $50.00 $287.50
Authority utility pole attachment $50.00 $50.00 $465.08
Small Wireless Facilities (SWF) collocation $100.00 $100.00 $514.97
Small Wireless Facilities (SWF) collocation $50.00 $50.00 $514.97
Batched applications for up to 25 SWF's $100.00 $100.00 $978.85
Batched applications for up to 25 SWF's $50.00 $50.00 $2,258.53
Applications for new, replacement or
modified utility poles NOT subject to zoning
review
$750.00 $750.00 $235.99
Applications for new, replacement or
modified utility poles and collocation of
wireless facilities subject to zoning review
$1,000.00 $1,000.00 $251.99
Alcohol License Application:
Person Transfer Fee $150.00 $200.00 $244.60
Location Transfer Fee $150.00 $200.00 $244.60
Probate/Will Assignment/Divorce Decree $150.00 $200.00 $244.60
Extension of Premise $50.00 $200.00 $244.60
Sampling Permit $50.00 $200.00 $244.60
Acquisition of Control/Restructure/Agent
Change
$100.00 $200.00 $244.60
Initial/Interim Application Fee
01 ‐ In State Producer $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
02 ‐ Out of State Producer $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
03 ‐ Domestic Microbrewery $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
04 ‐ In State Wholesaler $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
05 ‐ Government $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
06 ‐ Bar, All Spirituous Liquors $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
07 ‐ Beer & Wine Bar $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
08 ‐ Conveyance $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
09 ‐ Liquor Store $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
10 ‐ Beer & Wine Store $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
11 ‐ Hotel/Motel $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
12 ‐ Restaurant $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
13 ‐ Domestic Farm Winery $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
14 ‐ Private Club $500.00 $600.00 $599.34
Alcohol Permit Renewal n/a $200.00 $244.60
Town of Fountain Hills, Az Cost Recovery Analysis - Summary C-18
1555 South Havana, Suite F-305
Aurora, Colorado 80012
800.755.6864 | Fax: 888.326.6864
27368 Via Industria, Suite 200
Temecula, CA 92590
800.755.6864 | www.Willdan.com
www.fh.az.gov
User Fee Work Session
Grady Miller, Town Manager
David Pock, Finance Director
September 22, 2020
www.fh.az.gov
User Fee Background
•Charged to individuals or groups for products,
services, or rentals that directly benefit them and
not the entire community
•This is the first Comprehensive User Fee Study that
has been completed by the Town
•Fees should not exceed the cost to provide
•Updated study every 5 years
www.fh.az.gov
General Fund Revenue
Intergovernmental
36%
Permits, Licenses, Fees
7%
Other
3%
Local Taxes
54%
Town of Fountain Hills
FY20 General Fund Operating Revenues
www.fh.az.gov
Options for Council Direction
1.Direct staff to implement the proposed fees from report
2.Direct staff to adjust fees to a Council recommended
percentage of full-cost recovery
3.Direct staff to adjust fees to a Council recommended
percentage of full-cost recovery over the next 3 years
4.Direct staff to adjust fees to a Council recommended
percentage of full-cost recovery as long as adjustment is less
than a Council recommended percentage of the current fee
5.Direct staff to keep the current fees
TOWN OF
FOUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA
Kevin BurnettPresented by
2
–Introductions and Background
–General Model Overview
–Methodology
–Cost Recovery
–Fees by Service Area
–Questions and Discussion
3
Multiple costs are included in analysis:
Town Wide Overhead/Support Costs –Costs that allow the
Town to function, but are not directly involved in the service
provided
Examples include: Information Technology Dept, Town Manager’s
Office
Department Wide Overhead Costs –Costs specific to
departments that support staff directly involved in providing
service
Examples include parks management and public works
management
Salaries and Benefits –Staff’s hourly rate for analysis
includes not only direct salary, but also reflects benefits to
identify fully burdened hourly rate
4
Standard Unit Cost Build-Up Approach
Estimates actual labor and materials cost for each service
request
Effective when multiple staff members and/or departments
are involved in the request
Costs were estimated based interviews with staff on time
spent and materials required for each task
5
Interviewed staff to understand time spent on 325
fees
Some fees were updated in terms of cost only
Some fees were updated in terms of how they are
assessed
Flat fee to area-based (sq ft, sq yd etc.) fee and vice
versa
6
43 Fees were eliminated from:
Development Services
Community Services
Finance
Fees were eliminated due to duplication between
departments (photocopies) or the service no longer
being provided (faxing services)
7
Fees were calculated at the 100% cost recovery level
Not all fees are recommended for 100% cost recovery
due to:
Service provides a community benefit:
Use of Parks
Youth programs
Compliance in regulations is encouraged through a
lower fee
8
Planning Fees (land use planning goals)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Materials (postage, publication etc.)
Penalties to incentivize timeline completion of
applications
Recommended changes:
Increase for 17 fees
Decrease for 2 fees
11 flat based fees (final plats, etc.) recommended for
base plus per lot fee
9
Building Fees (building code standards)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Materials
Penalties to incentivize behavior (reinspection)
Recommended changes:
Increase for 30 fees
Decrease for 9 fees
No change for 5 fees
9 flat based or per unit fees recommended for base plus
size fee
10
Miscellaneous Fees (map production)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Recommended changes:
Increase for 1 fee
Decrease for 4 fees
No change for 2 fees
11
Fire Fees (fire inspections)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Penalties to incentivize behavior (reinspection)
Recommended changes:
Increase for 8 fees
Decrease for 1 fee
2 flat per square foot fees recommended for base plus
per square foot fee
12
Engineering Fees (excavations, permits
etc.)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Materials
Penalties to incentivize behavior (reinspection)
Recommended changes:
Increase for 44 fees
Decrease for 6 fees
No change for 28 fees
13
Engineering Fees (excavations, permits
etc.)
4 new fees:
Traffic study
Third party or expedited reviews and inspections
Inspections not associated with building permit
Off hour inspections
14
Miscellaneous Fees (adopt a street)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Material cost
Recommended to increase
15
Parks Fees (parks and associated facilities)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Exclusivity premium (use not available to other parties)
Recommended changes:
Increase for 23 fees
16
Community Center Fees (includes facilities)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Recommended changes:
Increase for 25 fees
Decrease for 6 fees
One fee (dance floor) recommended to change from fee
per piece to a flat fee
17
Special Event Fees (facility rentals)
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Recommended changes:
Increase for 7 fees
No change for 17 fees
One fee (application fee) recommended to change from
flat rate to a fee based on event size
18
Municipal Court Fees
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Third party costs (public defender)
State Statutes (public records searches)
Recommended changes:
Increase for 5 fees
Decrease for 2 fees
No change for one fee
3 fees based in actual/third party costs
19
Campaign Fees
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Material cost
No changes recommended for the 2 fees
20
Business licenses, alcohol license, etc.
Fees based on:
Actual time and hourly cost
Material cost
State Statutes (wireless communications)
Recommended changes:
Increase for 44 fees
No change for 18 fees
One new fee (alcohol permit renewal)
One fee (art commission) recommended to change from
percentage of sale to a flat fee.
22
Solid Waste Fees
Fees based on:
Total cost
Recommended fees:
Residential $3.18
Multifamily $3.18
Commercial $3.18