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DBI proposes staff reductions and fee increases in FY2009'10 budget as revenues fall
Summary
The Department of Building Inspection presented a proposed FY2009'10 budget projecting lower revenues from the economic downturn, proposing about $5.5 million in staff reductions and two fee increases (records retention minor; apartment license fees averaged ~20% increase) to balance the operating budget.
The Department of Building Inspection presented a proposed fiscal-year 2009'10 budget that projects decreased revenues tied to the economic downturn and proposes staff reductions and fee increases to achieve balance.
Director (speaker identified in the transcript as the department director) told the commission the department is forecasting a revenue decline and that the proposed budget includes staff reductions estimated in the presentation at roughly $5.5 million to help close the gap. The director said a mid-year balancing plan already closed the current fiscal gap without staff cuts, but the next fiscal year's plan will require personnel adjustments if revenues do not recover.
The director also described two proposed fee changes currently in the commissioners' package: a small records-retention fee increase and an apartment license fee adjustment. "We're proposing to raise it on average about 20%," the director said of apartment license fees, noting the change aims to reduce a roughly 25% non-recovery on apartment-license revenues identified in the fee study.
Commissioners pressed staff on revenue assumptions and asked whether projections were conservative; the director said projections are based on December 31 figures and are intentionally conservative and subject to monthly review through the budget process. Several commissioners noted that potential seismic-strengthening activity and large public projects, if they proceed, could increase permit activity and revenue; staff cited the Transbay Terminal as an example of a large pipeline project under discussion.
Commissioners discussed programmatic trade-offs, including whether to defer the fifth-floor remodel and how to balance community outreach contracts that currently support code enforcement work. Director said most non-personnel line items have been reduced and that the remaining leverage is primarily through personnel and vacant positions.
The commission did not take a final vote on the budget; the director said the item will return for further review and that the budget will be adjusted monthly leading to approval in July.
