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DBI proposes six-month, across-the-board 7% interim fee cut; commission approves 4-1
Summary
DBI recommended a temporary 7% reduction in permitting and service fees for six months as a bridge until a fee study yields fee-by-fee recommendations. Commissioners debated legal risk, fairness and timing; the commission approved the interim reduction by a 4-1 vote.
DBI Acting Chief Finance Manager Gail Revels told the commission that DBI is collecting substantially more revenue than budgeted and proposed an interim across-the-board 7% fee reduction for six months while consultants complete a fee study. "We know that we're collecting too much money and that is a legal liability for us," Revels said, explaining the department's intent to show good faith while a longer-term fee study is finalized.
Commissioners split on timing and approach. Commissioner Marr and Commissioner Melgar expressed support for an interim reduction to reduce legal risk and political pressure; Commissioner McCrae and Commissioner Lee supported addressing fee fairness. Commissioner Walker voted no, saying he preferred targeted waivers or incentives for specific programs rather than a blanket cut while DBI prepares for space expansion and new staffing needs.
Gail Revels said the staff estimate is that a 7% reduction over six months would amount to about $1.5 million; she characterized the reduction as a short-term measure that could be superseded if the fee study and subsequent code amendments are completed earlier.
The commission voted (Vice President Marr: yes; Commissioner Lee: yes; Commissioner Melgar: yes; Commissioner McCrae: yes; Commissioner Walker: no) to approve the interim fee reduction.
Next steps: DBI will proceed with the consultant-led fee study and prepare code amendments as warranted; the interim ordinance expires at six months unless superseded by formal code changes.
