STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance & Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: September 18, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Budget and Management Services
EXECUTIVE: Jack Ireland
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SUBJECT
Title
An ordinance amending Chapters 2, 18, 24, 28, 43, 49, 51A, and 52 of the Dallas City Code and Ordinance No. 19860, as amended, passed by the city council on February 10, 1988 (1) amending the application fee and processing fees for abandonments of public rights-of-ways; (2) amending the stormwater drainage fee structure; (3) amending the fees for sanitation collection services; (4) providing an environmental cleanup fee; (5) amending the solid waste collection franchise fee; (6) amending the library processing and mail reference fees; (7) amending the no parking sign fee; (8) amending parking meter hood and temporary removal fees; (9) amending the residential parking only application and sign fees; (10) amending the license application fee for valet parking; (11) amending the dockless vehicle permit application fee; (12) adjusting rates and charges for treated water service, wastewater service, wholesale water, and wastewater service to governmental entities, additional water meters, untreated water service, service connections, security deposits for residential service accounts, fire hydrant usage, and industrial surcharge rate formula for excessive concentrations; (13) amending the thoroughfare plan amendment fee; (14) amending the barricade application fee; (15) providing for a fee for the production and installation of ceremonial street signs; (16) providing for monument verification fees; (17) amending the rates for 911 landline fees for business and trunk customers; (18) providing a penalty not to exceed $2,000; (19) providing a saving clause; (20) providing a severability clause; and (21) providing an effective date - Estimated Revenue: General Fund ($2,824,827), Dallas Water Utilities Fund ($25,730,825), Stormwater Drainage Management Fund ($5,758,142), Sanitation Operation Fund ($10,401,652), Environmental Clean-up Special Revenue Fund ($10,500,000), and 9-1-1 Systems Operations Fund ($2,389,498)
Body
BACKGROUND
In compliance with the City’s Financial Performance Management Criteria (FMPC) #12, the City conducts an annual review of selected fees and charges to determine the extent to which the City is recovering the full cost of associated services. The FY 2024-25 budget includes changes to various fees. This ordinance will amend fees authorized for various Library Services, Facilities and Real-Estate Management Services, and Transportation and Public Works Services. The City maintains non-exclusive franchise agreements with utilities and other service providers, such as private solid waste haulers, that use the City’s rights of way to provide services to the public. These franchise agreements provide for compensation to the City. Park and Recreation fees (recreation, aquatics, green fees, facilities, etc.) reviewed in 2024 are pending/subject to Park and Recreation Board approval for implementation in FY 2024-25. There is an estimated increase of $2,824,827 to General Fund revenues in accordance with the fee study.
The Water Utilities Department is supported solely by revenues from the sale of water and wastewater services. This ordinance will amend fees and retail and wholesale rates to provide sufficient revenues for furnishing water and wastewater service to Dallas and its customer cities. Estimated increase of $25,730,825 to Dallas Water Utilities revenues.
The Stormwater Drainage Management fees support City efforts to ensure compliance with state and federal surface water regulations and maintain stormwater drainage and flood protection systems. Estimated increase of $5,758,142 to Stormwater Drainage Management revenues.
Sanitation Services residential collection is supported by fees charged to recover the cost of providing once-weekly residential garbage and recycling collection, citywide dead animal collection, and monthly brush and bulk collection. Additionally, the McCommas Bluff Landfill is supported by a portion of residential collection fees allocated for disposal and by revenues from customers using the landfill for disposal of solid waste. Estimated increase of $10,401,652 to Sanitation revenues.
Effective October 1, 2024, the City will launch a new environmental cleanup fee of $3 a month will be added to all City residential and non-residential utility accounts. This fee will pay for disposal and environmental services that are required by a state or federal mandate, including but not limited to: homeless encampment cleanup, and illegal dumping on public right-of-way, and litter and mowing nuisance abatement on public rights-of-way. Estimated revenue generation of $10,500,000 to Environmental Clean-up Special Revenue Fund.
911 Systems Operation Services is supported by fees collected by telecommunication service providers and is used to reimburse the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Fire-Rescue for 911-eligible expenses. Estimated increase of $2,389,498 to 9-1-1 Systems Operations Fund.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The City Council was briefed on the “City Manager’s Recommended Biennial Budget for FY 2024-25 and FY 2025-26” on August 13, 2024. This presentation included information about the proposed fee adjustments.
FISCAL INFORMATION
Estimated Revenue:
• General Fund $2,824,827
• Dallas Water Utilities Fund $25,730,825
• Stormwater Drainage Management $5,758,142
• Sanitation Operation Fund $10,401,652
• Environmental Clean-up Special Revenue Fund $10,500,000
• 9-1-1 Systems Operation Fund $2,389,498