Title
Adopt a Resolution amending Article V of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution relating to Parks Department user charges for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective November 1, 2014, pursuant to the attached Article V.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution amending Article V of the Monterey County Master Fee Resolution relating to Parks Department user charges for park use, enforcement, and rentals, effective November 1, 2014, pursuant to the attached Article V.
SUMMARY/DISCUSSION:
County Park charges are subject to review and potential amendment of Article V of the County Master Fee Resolution to better offset, but not exceed, the cost of park services and to remain competitive and comparable with like venues throughout the State of California. The attached proposed Amendment and adjustments to Article V is recommended by the staff and the Parks Commission for the Monterey County Board of Supervisors approval, with the updated Article to be effective November 1, 2014.
In addition to adjustments for formatting and verbiage corrections, the proposed Article V reflects a few changes from the fees approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 13, 2014.
The most significant modifications are adjustments to day use vehicle fees, camping fees, annual day use passes, and Youth Group Camping fees throughout the Parks Department. The fees are being increased to better reflect no more than the actual costs incurred by the County for providing these services and taking the "season" into account. A walk-in fee has been added to San Lorenzo Park, Toro Park, and Royal Oaks Park during holidays and events to help recover significant lost revenue during those times and to reflect the impact of those patrons on the parks (benefit/burden) and incrementally recapture a portion of their fair share for their use of the facilities. The Firewood Fee has been changed to cost plus 50% of base cost for handling and delivery per firewood unit/bundle to more closely recapture associated costs of that service. Lastly, Range Fees have been increased to more accurately reflect the costs and expenses related to that type of facility.
In summary, the following is a list of some of the more significant changes to Article V:
1. Tiered fees approved in May 2014, which were determined to be too complicated and cost intensive for implementation, have been deleted and replaced with a basic $80 fee for an annual day use pass good in all parks except Lake Nacimiento, similar to what formerly existed. The basic annual day use pass will be valid for a 50% discount off day use entrance fees at Lake Nacimiento. A separate annual pass good for Lake Nacimiento and all other facilities has also been reinstituted at a price point of $200. All annual passes will be good for one year from date of purchase.
2. Day Use Vehicle Fees in all parks were adjusted to more closely reflect recapture of the cost of services provided to and burdens imposed by patrons.
3. Camping Fees in all parks were adjusted to more closely reflect recapture of the costs of services provided to and burdens imposed by patrons for that type of facility.
4. The price for firewood was modified to a 'cost plus 50% of base cost' to more closely reflect the actual cost of the product, plus the additional administrative costs associated with handling and delivery per firewood unit/bundle.
5. Range Fees have been adjusted to more accurately reflect an attempt to more closely recapture the costs associated with that type of facility.
6. Walk In Day Use Fees during Holidays and Events were added to San Lorenzo Park, Toro Park, and Royal Oaks Park to help contribute towards recapturing a portion of the costs imposed by these types of patrons for their use of the facilities for these heavy attendance days.
7. The Section 10 verbiage regarding Special Events has been updated to more accurately reflect the event process.
(These changes are more specifically set forth in the attached Tracked Changes version of the Proposed Article V.)
These adjustments only partially reflect/respond to current Parks fee issues. It is intended that, in the future, at a minimum after the completion of the Parks Department Strategic Plan, additional fee issues will be brought back to the Board for consideration.
The implementation of these adjusted charges is designed to meet operational expenses, while not exceeding the cost of services, and is statutorily exempt from environmental review [Pub., Res. Code. Sec. 21080 subd.(b)(8)]. In all cases, any and all adjustments to existing charges and new charges for services reflect no more than the actual cost of the service to or benefit received by the park patron. Lastly, and in summary, by definition, these new and adjusted user charges are not a 'tax' and are exempt from voter approval pursuant to Article XIIIC, section 1(e), subpars. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of the California Constitution (charges arising from benefit received by payor, burden on government to provide services, administrative enforcement, use/admission costs to enter/use government property, and/or enforcement penalties).
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
On September 15, 2014 the Monterey County Parks Commission voted to approve the proposed fee increase. County Counsel has reviewed and approved the resolution as to form.
FINANCING:
The requested changes in fees do not exceed the reasonable costs of the Parks Department's services. The manner in which those costs are allocated to the patron bear a direct and reasonable relationship to the patron burdens on or benefits received from the parks system activities. Anticipated approved increases have been included in the department's Year-End Estimate and Three Year Forecast. The projected revenue increases are based on 2013 actual usage records. The Budget & Analysis Division has not been provided sufficient analysis to determine the financial and/or policy impact these actions will have on the Parks Department and is unable to verify the actions will result in a balance budget.
Prepared by: Lavonne Chin, Special Events Manager
Approved by: Nicholas E.
______________________________________
Chiulos, Assistant CAO/Interim Parks Director
Attachments on file with Clerk of the Board: Resolution; Proposed Board Resolution; Proposed Article V - Park User Fees (effective November 1, 2014); Proposed Article V - Park User Fees (w/Tracked Changes)