Title
Recorder/Clerk recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 150-2015 granting the first increase in copy and Clerk fees since 1993 and Marriage License fees since 2003, effective October 1, 2015.
FUNDING: General Fund Revenue.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION:
The Recorder/Clerk’s Office recommends an increase in Copy, Clerk and Marriage fees commensurate with the median price for counties in our geographic area, and as shown in the Recorder/Clerks Fiscal Year 2015/16 Recommended Budget as published.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND:
Government Code 54985 authorizes the Board of Supervisors to adopt new fees, fee levels, and charges. There have been no fee increases for Copies and Clerk fees since 1993 and no change in Marriage fees since 2003. The Recorder/Clerk has studied the cost for providing the services including personnel, indirect and overhead costs, supervision, equipment and activities. The County is not recovering full costs from the public for these services. This increase will help to close the gap between cost of service and the amount collected from the public for the service. The proposed increases will raise fees to the median level for the geographic area studied.
ALTERNATIVES:
Not increasing fees that have not been increased since 1993 and 2003 which will result in a continued General Fund subsidy to cover costs.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
N/A
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board approve this item to increase certain fees within the Recorder/Clerk Office as was discussed during the budget hearings in June.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Copy, Clerk and Marriage estimated revenues will increase by approximately $70,000; this is based upon the document volume from 2014. This increased fee amount was included in the FY 2015-16 Recommended Budget. If fees are not increased, the Net County Cost for the department will need to be increased.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to provide a copy of the signed resolution to the Recorder/Clerk.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
CONTACT
Jane Kohlstedt, ext. 5493