Title
Treasurer/Tax Collector recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 108-2016 amending annual fees for the issuance of Business Licenses.
FUNDING: Fees.
Body
DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDATION
Treasurer/Tax Collector recommending the Board adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 108-2016 amending annual fees for the issuance of Business Licenses.
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The County Business License ordinance was established to regulate all kinds of lawful businesses transacted and carried on within the unincorporated areas of the county. The Business License Ordinance benefits the County by:
- Protecting the public health and safety of both owners, operators and consumers
- Educating business owners of State, Federal and local requirements - especially valuable to 1st time business owners.
- Validating businesses and acting as a marketing tool
Pursuant to California Business and Professions Code section 16100 and County ordinance code section 5.16.010, the Board of Supervisors may impose a fee for the issuance of a business license. Further, County ordinance code section 1.04.260 provides that fees necessary for the administration and enforcement of the provisions of the County code may be adopted by resolution of the Board of Supervisors.
Business License fees have not been adjusted since 2003, and a $10.00 increase is proposed at this time to help offset the expenses related to administrating the process. The Treasurer/Tax Collector has completed a cost study for administering this program within its office and has determined that full costs are not being recovered under the current fee schedule. A fee increase is recommended to more fully recover the actual cost of the program.
The recommended fee for a standard business license is $42, an increase of $10 over the current fee. A comparison of current and proposed fees is provided as Attachment C to this item. A comparison of the proposed standard business license fee to those of other agencies is provided as Attachment D to this item.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may elect not to adjust Business License fees or adjust them by a different amount; however, not increasing the fee will result in additional Net County Cost for the department.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel has reviewed and approved the Resolution.
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt resolution to amend Business License fees.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Business License revenues will increase by approximately $104,000 annually, reducing the department’s Net County Cost. The increased fee amounts have been included as revenue in the FY 2016-17 Budget. If fees are not increased, the department Net County Cost will be increased.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Clerk to provide a copy of the executed resolution to the Treasurer/Tax Collector's office.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Good Governance