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

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2ABSTRACTThis research project reviewed alternative funding for fire and emergencymedical service agencies, and specifically user fees as a superior revenue source tosupplement traditional tax revenues. The Westminster Fire Department wasconsidering expanding its user fee program in anticipation of a downturn in sales taxrevenue. The problem was that before expanding fees or implementing new ones thedepartment needed a better understanding of user fees and what type of fees havebeen successful in other fire departments.The purpose of this research is to define user fees, evaluate related benefits andconcerns of fee-based services, determine types of fees assessed by other firedepartments, and decide whether the Westminster Fire Department should expand itsuser fee programs. Descriptive and evaluative research was used to answer thefollowing research questions:1. What are user fees and what types are other fire departments charging theircustomers?2. What are the benefits and problems associated with user fees?3. What steps can be taken to “sell” these fees to the decision-makers, thepublic, and the employee group?The research methodology consisted of a literature review of fire service andgovernment publications in order to define user fees and associated benefits andconcerns. A survey was also conducted of fire departments in Colorado to ascertainwhat types of fee-based services were in place.
3The major findings of this research clearly answered the research questions andgenerated ideas that the author will use to propose expanding current and new fees thatprovide a higher level of service to Westminster customers. Specific recommendationswill be re-inspection and false fire alarm fees to gain compliance with codes and servicerequirements. Additionally, the department will evaluate a non-emergent interfacilityambulance transport program as a new service at the request of the City Manager.
Page 1: THE “BUSINESS” OF USER FEES: A
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 and 28: 27Competition for customers is pitt
Page 29 and 30: 29community, city administration, C
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

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

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