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Morris council approves higher residential rental registration and inspection fees starting Jan. 1, 2025
Summary
Council adopted a resolution increasing rental registration and related inspection fees (one-unit registration to $95, interim inspection and missed-appointment fees to $95); staff said increases are to cover inspection and processing costs.
The Morris City Council approved a resolution Sept. 24 updating the residential rental registration and licensing fee schedule effective Jan. 1, 2025.
City Manager Shrupp explained the fee changes proposed by the HRA and included in the council packet: one-unit registration will increase from $75 to $95; transfer fees will rise (specified in packet), interim inspection and missed-appointment fees will increase from $75 to $95, and certain transfer/inspection fees will be applied toward registration when appropriate.
Council members pressed staff on whether landlords would effectively pay twice for inspections if they already had paid the annual fee and whether interim inspections should be charged when an owner has already paid for the year. Shrupp and staff clarified that an interim inspection’s fee would be applied to the registration fee if the inspection occurred before registration, and the increases are intended to cover the city’s out-of-pocket costs for inspections and processing rather than generate revenue.
A motion to adopt the updated fee schedule was moved, seconded and approved by roll call. The resolution will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
Council discussion noted the policy trade-offs between ensuring the city recovers inspection costs and avoiding undue burdens on landlords who already pay annual fees.
