Title
Recorder-Clerk's Office recommending the Board provide conceptual approval pursuant to Board Policy A-3 to amend Ordinance 5108 entitled "Schedule of Fees for the Recorder-Clerk's Office" to update the fees and establish new fees for recovering the costs of providing services.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On November 5, 2019, the Board approved Ordinance 5108, adding Chapter 3.25 to the El Dorado County Ordinance Code pertaining to a schedule of fees and fee changes for the Recorder-Clerk's Office (Legistar file 19-1568). These fee updates were based on a Fee Study completed by Clear Source Financial Consulting. This Ordinance adjusted several fees to reduce the gap between service costs and fee revenue. Those updates were based on cost information available at the time and were intended to move the department toward improved cost recovery while remaining within statutory requirements under Government Code 54985 and 54986.
Since the adoption of Ordinance 5108, the Recorder-Clerk's operational costs, service delivery methods, and technology systems have changed. Most notably, the department has implemented a new records management system that affects workflow, staffing efficiency, and overall cost structure. As a result, several fees included in Ordinance 5108 no longer align with current costs of service.
The Recorder-Clerk is therefore requesting conceptual approval under Board Policy A-3 to amend Ordinance 5108 and update the department's fee schedule. This update will incorporate current cost data through a new Fee Study to align fees with the level reasonably necessary to provide services and ensure continued compliance with Government Code requirements. If conceptual approval is granted, staff will return with an amended ordinance, Fee Study and a detailed explanation of the recommended fee adjustments.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose not to approve this item, resulting in the department not achieving sufficient c...
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