3947 memo071525CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
tTO: The Honorable Mayor Kuhn a d ty Co sioners
FROM: Eugene Miller, City Man
a r
SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 3947 to ad t User Charges for Excess Public Services
DATE: JULY 25, 2005
Introduction: This is a public hearing to consider the adoption of Ordinance No. 3947 on
Second Reading to adopt User Charges for Excess Public Services.
Background: The Police Department has received a steady flow of citizen complaints
resulting in an increased demand for law enforcement services at specific hotels,
apartments, residences and businesses. The Police Department conducted a
comprehensive analysis and found that certain residences and businesses constituted
the vast majority of police calls in the city. As an example from July 1, 2004 to November
21, 2004 the Police Department received 2,794 business alarms and 660 residential
alarms. In 2,967 or 83.5% of these calls the business or residence was found to be
secure or no crime had occurred. One residence during the month of September 2004
generated 135 calls for service to the police department. During the same month one
business generated 72 calls and one apartment complex 63 calls.
On July 11, 2005, the City Commission unanimously approved the first reading of
Ordinance No. 3947, with no amendments. It was recommended by the City Manager
and the Police Chief.
The City Clerk advertised legal notice of this public hearing in the Sanford Herald on July
13, 2005.
Discussion: The approval of this ordinance will hold the property owners and residents
responsible thru a user fee system for the inappropriate burden to the taxpayer for the
excessive use of police and code enforcement services. Three or more nuisance calls
in any consecutive thirty day period pertaining to police or code enforcement services at
a single location would result in a user fee being levied. The Police Department's
analysis of the four most frequent calls for service from January 1, 2004 to May 31, 2004,
resulted in 5,192 calls at an estimated 820 work hours and annual cost of $29,602.
Budget Impact: There is no direct cost to the city for implementing this ordinance
however the collection of fines will generate a recovery of some of the cost for excessive
use of police services. As an example a property that generates 10 calls for service in
one month could result in user fees of $3,250. Additionally the goal is for a reduction in
repeat calls to certain properties thereby allowing police resources to be utilized to the
greater benefit of all the citizens and taxpayers.
Recommendation: Adopt Ordinance No. 3947.
Prepared by: Janet R. Dougherty
Attachment: Ordinance No. 3947