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Monona committee adopts broad updates to fees, fines and penalties schedule
Summary
The committee approved Ordinance 1‑25‑783 updating many municipal fees and penalties, including ambulance transport rates, building permit fee adjustments, park and pool rental fees, plumbing/electrical/HVAC fees and snow/ice enforcement penalties. Staff said increases are meant to cover rising inspection costs and reduce false alarm burdens.
The Finance and Personnel Committee approved Ordinance 1‑25‑783, which updates the city’s fees, fines and penalties schedule across a range of departments including fire/ambulance, building inspections, parks, pool operations and public works.
Staff told the committee the packet shows changes highlighted in redline and summarized key areas: ambulance transport and non‑transport rates, building permit fees (including commercial and accessory structure rates), plumbing/electrical/HVAC fee adjustments, higher fees for some boathouse/shelter/pier accessory structures, penalties for failing to connect to sewer or to remove snow and ice on time, and updated rental rates for parks and the river rink.
Why it matters: staff said modest increases are intended to cover higher inspection and staff costs and to encourage compliance (for example, higher fire alarm fees are meant to reduce false alarms). Committee members suggested a broader review during the next budget cycle, especially for penalty items that function as enforcement tools.
Details and debate
A staff presenter summarized the schedule and noted that the proposed changes were developed with consultation from Director Plowman and external consultants where appropriate. The presenter said most increases were modest: building‑related fees rose by small amounts (generally by cents per square foot or $10–$15 for trade fees), while some accessory‑structure and fire alarm fees increased more noticeably to reflect staff workload.
On fire alarms, the presenter said the fire chief asked for an increase to encourage building owners to upgrade systems and reduce repeated false alarms; the presenter noted the chief might still be “a little low” in his recommendation.
Committee discussion included a question about why one‑ and two‑family residential permit rates are higher than certain commercial rates; staff explained mechanical work is typically included in the residential line item, whereas commercial permits are itemized. Members also asked about the statutory authority for the Public Works Committee to set a penalty for failing to connect to sewer; staff said the city’s public works committee serves in the statutory role of the Board of Public Works.
Votes
Ordinance 1‑25‑783 was moved and approved by roll call.
Ending
Committee members agreed the adjustments were generally reasonable but suggested a more comprehensive review of fee and penalty schedules during the next budget cycle to ensure competitiveness and appropriate enforcement levels.
