The City charges fees for various services provided by the City and from time to time update those fees for services. There are a number of updates in this year’s fee ordinance (which you can view HERE), many being minor adjustments to more accurately reflect the type of fees traditionally charged during regular course of business. Most changes to the fee schedule involve charges related to City planning, including subdivision fees and development plan fees as well as utility charges. A summary of the updates are as follows:
Solid Waste Charges – The adopted 2021 Budget incorporated solid waste charges to increase no more than 3%. The proposed 2022 monthly solid waste charge is $18.70, a 2.47% increase over the current rate. The City’s contract with KC Disposal allows for a 1.5% annual increase. The additional charges levied by the City help pay for events such as the City-Wide Clean Up and Curbside Bulky Item Pick Up. This equates to a monthly increase of $0.45 for each residential customer.
Sewer Charges – Variable rates for both residential and commercial sewer customers will increase by 1.5%. This increase is primarily meant to keep pace with rising wastewater costs and charges on the County level, in addition to increased costs for other operational needs. The average residential sewer customer would see an increase of less than $0.40 per month.
Development Related Fees – Development related fees including zoning, platting and development plans. In prior years, much of the work was handled by contractors, who charged the city and the city charged the developer/applicant. Many times these charges were after approval of projects and some applicants complained about the timing of the charges and/or amount of the contractor fees. The proposed fee schedule sets the rate for zoning, platting and development plans, providing certainty to the developer/applicant and ensuring the city is properly compensated for its work.
Building Related Fees – Generally, building related fees have not been changed as the plan review and inspections are set by contract with IBTS. However, we have restructured the schedule of fees into three sections (Residential, Commercial, Miscellaneous) and added items such as Commercial Tenant Finish Out.
The remaining charges and fees generally remain the same including EMS services, court fees, sewer connection fees and cemetery and park fees. However, the Cemetery, Parks, and Public Spaces (CPPS) Board is reviewing charges and fees for the Community Center, city parks, or other public spaces and may be recommend adjustments later in 2022.