by SC Reporter Emilie Alfino
Sanibel City Council discussed Building Department fees after a presentation from the Building Department that covered (1) Building Fund overview, (2) existing fees/new proposed fees comparison, and (3) comparable municipality fees.
Building Department revenues are supposed to “break even,” with permit fees covering the costs of the department and no funds being used from the General Fund. The report did recommend rate adjustments for fiscal year 2025, in particular to base fees on square footage rather than value.
The proposed new fees are anticipated to lower operating reserves. Operational cost reductions will be required starting in 2025 and completed in 2026, including minimizing outside services and not filling open positions based on permitting service level requirements. The cost-recovery analysis and operating reserve will be reviewed annually in the budget process.
Council voted unanimously to bring the matter for a first reading at the next City Council meeting.
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