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HEARING - Sheriff’s Office recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 204-2018 to establish an Emergency Alarm System fee schedule to become effective 30 days from the adoption of the amendment of Title 5, Chapter 5.44 Emergency Alarm Systems El Dorado County Code of Ordinances. (Est. Time: 15 Min.)
FUNDING: General Fund Revenue.
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Government Code Section 54985 authorizes the Board of Supervisors to adopt new fees, fee levels and charges.
The fees and fines were set by Ordinance in the past but with the amendment to the Ordinance, the Board can set the fees and fines by resolution. This was changed in order to make the process for updating fees and fines more efficient.
It has been many years since the Sheriff's Office has revised the fees in the Emergency Alarm System Ordinance. The changes proposed do not exceed the reasonable cost of providing the associated services. The estimated revenue increase after observing an entire Fiscal Year with the recommended fees in effect would be $80,000.
The New Permit Fee and Annual Renewal Fee for residential permits are being increased to match the business permit fees. In the past, there were different New Permit Fees and Annual Renewal Fees depending on whether the permit type was residential or business. There is no reasoning to support why these fees should be different based on the type.
The Sheriff’s Office is also recommending the increase in False Alarm Fines for both Burglar and Panic Alarms. The Third, Fourth, and Fifth false alarms for Burglar Alarms will increase to $60, $75, and $125, respectively. The Third, Fourth, and Fifth false alarms for Panic Alarms will increase to $85, $100, and $150, respectively. A Sixth and Subsequent false alarm fine will be added to both types of alarms as well. This fine will be $200 for Burglar alarms and $225 for Panic alarms. These fines only apply to false alarms taking place in a calendar year. The methodology used to develop the proposed fees includes the cost of one full time employee assigned to administer the Emergency Alarm System program and documented time spent on Emergency Alarm System activities. Staff also reviewed fees charged by other Counties and Municipalities.
Attachment C details the current and proposed fees.
ALTERNATIVES
N/A
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
The Board approved the First Reading of the amendment to the Emergency Alarm Systems Ordinance on August 28, 2018 and will hear the Second reading on September 11, 2018.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The estimated increase in revenues will be roughly $80,000 based on the new fees proposed in the Sheriff’s Office Alarm System Fee update.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Resolution to be signed by the Chair; One (1) certified copy to be returned to the Sheriff’s Office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Public Safety
CONTACT
Randy Peshon, Undersheriff