LTC 188-2010 Revenue Enhancement StudyR~.~~~~~
A~~ I 2010 JUL -2 P~ 2~ S6
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER I;ITY CL~.{~s~i~s O~ ~ iCE
NO. LTC # 188-2010 LETTER TO COMMISSION
To: Mayor Matti Herrera Bower and Members of the City Commission
FROM:. Jorge M. Gonzalez, City Manager
DATE: July 1, 2010 i
SUBJECT: Revenue Enhancement Study
The Purpose of this LTC is to transmit to the Mayor and Commission the finding of the Revenue
Enhancement Study conducted by Willdan Financial Services, Inc ("Willdan").
BACKGROUND
On October 14, 2009, the Mayor and City Commission approved the issuance of Request for
proposals (RFP) No. 12-09/10, for General Fund Revenue Enhancement Study. The purpose of
study was to conduct an inventory of City General Fund revenue sources (with the exception of
property taxes and building development process related fees); a comparison with other national
and local entities; identification of areas where the City is below market; recommended areas where
there is the potential to generate additional revenues; and cost analyses for any recommended
increases to cost-based fees, if desired by the City. To allow a reasonable timeframe for
incorporation of the results in the FY 2010/11 proposed city budget, results were required by mid
calendar year 2010.
Willdan was selected to perform this study. Willdan has provided comprehensive and integrated
solutions to cities, counties, special districts in more than 35 states with similar studies performed in
several Florida municipalities. In addition, Willdan collaborated and utilized the service of the Rose
Institute. With more than 25 years of extensive survey experience, the Rose Institute, with extensive
experience surveying municipal taxes and fees, conducted all aspect of the survey process,
including background research, sampling size, collection of date, analysis of results, and
conclusions regarding gathered data.
FINDINGS
The attached memoranda provide 1) a summary of current City of Miami Beach General Fund
Revenue sources, and 2) an inventory of revenue sources and associated fee levels, rental rates,
etc. from other municipalities and applicable jurisdictions as compared to City of Miami Beach
General Fund revenue sources.
LTC -
Revenue Enhancement Study
Page 2
The revenue sources identified by Wil{dan as potential revenue enhancement sources include the
following:
Potential Revenue Enhancement Opportunities:
Increase Resort Tax on Transient Rentals from 3 to 4
Special Assessment for Fire Protection Services
Review Status and Use of General Fund Properties by the Parking Fund
Contracting Services with Other Municipalities
Special Event Permits
Sale of Water and Sewer Utility Systems to the County
Regionalization of Lifeguard Services
Beachfront Concession Fees
Increase Fees for the 19% CPI increase since 2003 per resolution 2003-2529
Utilize Safe Neighborhoods Districts to levy up to 2 mills
Local Improvement Districts for Capital Projects
Update Existing Impact and Assessment Fees
New Impact Fees for Capital Projects -Transportation, Police, Fire, Parks and Recreation
Potential Fee Increases where Fees are Lower than Other Jurisdictions
Fire Rescue Transport Fees
Police Finger Printing Fees
Off-duty Police and Fire Fees
Hazardous Material Permit and Placard Fee
Pool Fees (Residents, and Non-Resident Toddlers/ Season Passes)
Tennis Fees (Adults/Junior Residents, Junior Non-Residents, Hourly Rates)
Copying Fees
Dishonored Check Fees
Traffic and Parking Fines
Fines for Multiple False Alarms
Requests for Appeals to Special Master
Peddler Permits
Police Towing Fees
Newsrack Permit Renewal Fees
Other Potential Revenue Enhancements Discussed in the Study:
Finance -Garage Sales Permits and For Sate Sign Permits
City Clerk -Minimum Fees for Public Records Requests
City Clerk -Notary Service Fees
Charging for copies of Personal documents (less than 5 copies currently free)
TCD -Late Fee for Special Events
TCD -Wedding Fee
TCD -Film and Pint Fee increases
Parking -Parking Rates
Parking -Valet rates
REHCD -City Air rights (e.g. Cell Phone Towers)
Communications -Increase MB Magazine Advertising Fees
Communications -Expand Sponsorship Program
Code -increase lien fees and expedited lien fees
Parks and Recreation -After Schools Programs, Summer Day Camp, and Specialty Camps
Planning -Increase Historic Home Designation Fee
Planning -Hourly consultant Fee
While we will be discussing revenues at our next Finance & Citywide Project Committee meeting during the
budget process, it is my recommendation that we continue to review these, but not count on them for the
purposes of the FY 2010/11 budget process.
JMG/KGB/JC