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Urbana committee places annual fee schedule on file after debate on special‑event charges and PUD incentives
Summary
The committee advanced the annual schedule of fees (July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027) for City Council review. Staff proposed a roughly 4.8% average increase, targeted parking and liquor‑license increases, a new tiered special‑event fee structure, and a combined preliminary/final PUD filing option; councilmembers raised concerns about community events and PUD public review time.
The Urbana Committee of the Whole voted on April 20 to place the proposed annual fee schedule on file for 30 days and forward it to the May 26 City Council agenda after staff described a set of fee adjustments for fiscal year 2026–27.
Staff said most fees would rise about 4.8%, largely to keep pace with projected personnel cost increases (wages and benefits). Parking fees and some liquor‑license categories would see larger changes; staff also proposed a 10‑cent increase to the convenience fee for mobile meter payments to cover credit‑card processing costs. The packet includes a new tiered special‑event fee structure based on the level of city services required (street closures, traffic control) and a new combined preliminary/final planned unit development (PUD) application fee to encourage consolidated filings.
Staff estimated the changes would generate roughly $250,000 in additional annual revenue across city funds: about $37,000 for the general fund, $65,000 for sanitary sewer, $127,000 for the stormwater utility, and $24,000 for the parking fund.
Councilmembers pressed staff for implementation details and possible exemptions. Councilmember Quisenberry asked whether the special‑event fees would apply to demonstrations or neighborhood block parties and whether city‑partnered events would be charged; staff and councilmembers clarified residential block parties would not be charged and said they would provide specifics about how the new structure is implemented. Councilmember Grace and others warned that a flat $400–$500 fee could deter nonprofit or low‑budget community events and asked staff to consider fee tiers tied to actual city resource use or waivers for non‑profit events.
Councilmember Wu and others objected to financially incentivizing consolidated preliminary/final PUD filings, saying constituents prefer more time for review and public input; staff said they would relay the concern and provide follow‑up information.
Councilmember Wu moved to place Ordinance 2026‑04‑011 (the fee schedule) on file for public inspection and forward it to City Council; the motion, seconded by Councilmember Hersey, carried by voice vote. Staff will advertise the schedule in the News‑Gazette and will answer questions received during the 30‑day inspection period.
Next steps: the fee schedule will be available for public inspection; formal adoption is expected at the May 26 City Council meeting.
