"Business" of User Fees - US Fire Administration - Federal ...

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28RECOMMENDATIONSFire departments that decide to utilize alternative funding usually make thisdecision out of necessity to maintain services. For departments that are struggling in atax limitation environment alternative funding may be the key to survival. Departmentsthat are expanding because of a healthy economy may also look at user fees for equityreasons. User fees can be the answer for both scenarios. “With the growing demandfor monies, lack of public support for additional taxes, and increased demands forspecialized services, the fire service executives must decide if fee based services is aneffective tool for the management of current and expanded fire service demands”(Manion, 1996, p. 8). User fees can generate needed revenue, help gain compliance,change behavior, and effect a sense of fairness for services.For Westminster, utilizing and expanding fees is a way to answer cityadministrations request to evaluate alternative funding ideas in preparation for ananticipated sales tax downturn. The research has defined the benefits and concerns ofuser fees, but also generated some ideas for the future. Specifically, Westminsterneeds to create a process of evaluating which of the fees to pursue, and then plan asystem of implementation. After reviewing the survey data the author is recommendingthe department expand its fee program to include fees for re-inspections and false firealarms. These two areas are important in light of the significant amount of commercialgrowth that the City has experienced. Implementing a non-emergent inter-facilitytransport system is also a concept with merit. Coincidentally as the author wasfinalizing this research project the City Manager requested the department study thisconcept. Any proposal will require planning and open communication with the
29community, city administration, City Council, and the employee group. Martin (1995)reminds us that, “An alternative funding program opens other doors for the firedepartment to interact with its citizens and show the wide array of services which areprovided” (p. 16). User fees shouldn’t be looked at just as ways to generate revenuebut rather a way to provide customers the highest quality service possible.
Page 1 and 2: THE “BUSINESS” OF USER FEES: A
Page 3 and 4: 3The major findings of this researc
Page 5 and 6: 5INTRODUCTIONThe “business” of
Page 7 and 8: 72. What are the benefits and probl
Page 9 and 10: 9The majority of Westminster’s re
Page 11 and 12: 11sharing, lease/purchasing, subscr
Page 13 and 14: 13revenue source and as a way to ga
Page 15 and 16: 15of their revenue base through tra
Page 17 and 18: 17There are many other miscellaneou
Page 19 and 20: 19Much of the litigation involving
Page 21 and 22: 21Establishing a billing program ca
Page 23 and 24: 23were thought to be progressive or
Page 25 and 26: 25The research identified user fee
Page 27: 27Competition for customers is pitt
Page 31 and 32: 31Manion, K. (1996). Fee Based Serv
Page 33 and 34: User Fee Type (con’t):Public Educ
Page 35 and 36: WESTMINSTER FEE SURVEY B-2Colo Spri
Page 37: WESTMINSTER FEE SURVEY B-4Poudre So

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