Inspection Fee Proposal Fires Up Mayor

As the new fiscal year draws near, Plant City commissioners continue to ponder cuts and new fees to help make ends meet as a result of tax reform.

At the July 28 budget workshop, however, some balked at separate proposals to charge for annual fire inspections and to provide $30,000 toward maintenance of the 1914 Plant City High School Community Center, slated to be deeded soon to a nonprofit group.

The proposal to charge for annual inspections of commercial buildings did not sit well with Mayor Rick Lott.

"This is one of those services that's our job," he said.

Furthermore, the owner has no option, as the annual fire inspection of commercial property is required, Lott said.

"It's a tax to me ... especially when it's something we've done previously for free," he said.

The proposed sliding fee would charge for the initial annual inspection, based upon square footage, with a $45 minimum for a building up to 5,000 square feet. Reinspection, if necessary, would be free.

If a third inspection were required, however, the cost would be twice the initial fee.

"I personally just can't support this," Lott said. "I support the service, but not the fee."

Commissioner Mike Sparkman agreed, suggesting an alternative used in some jurisdictions.

"Maybe the structure should be no charge for the first time," only for follow-up inspections, he said.

Lott said he could support that.

Fire Chief George Shiley said "a good number" of businesses require a second inspection but few require three. Shiley was asked to return with a fee schedule along those lines.

"I think it's workable," Sparkman said.

"It sounds like we have an opportunity to revamp our current fee program," Lott said.

The original proposal would have generated $110,000 yearly for the city.

Also during the two-hour workshop, commissioners gave the nod to a plan to initiate fees many cities use to offset the cost of emergency response to traffic accidents.

Motor vehicle crash fees levied by the other municipal police and fire departments indicate they would generate $300,000 annually in Plant City.

The fees levied by police will apply only to the driver at fault, and only if the driver lives outside the city limits. The fees are generally paid by the driver's insurance.

Plant City's police and fire-rescue fees would vary but haven't been set.

City officials are looking at fees charged by other municipalities, such as Winter Park, where charges range from $435 for a noninjury crash to $1,800 for when a hydraulic tool is required to extricate a victim.

At this latest budget workshop, commissioners also learned the city will be able to continue to fund all three fire inspector positions. At an earlier workshop, it appeared two would be laid off to save $137,000 annually.

Saving the jobs is doable, in part because the July property tax roll certification by the Hillsborough County property appraiser shows the city will receive $240,000 more than originally anticipated, City Manager David Sollenberger said

Regarding the 1914 building, Sparkman recommended budgeting $30,000 for maintenance of the structure slated to be deeded to the longtime tenant, the East Hillsborough Historical Society.

Commissioner Bill Dodson, however, suggested an alternative that would include maintenance provided by city workers. "We could accomplish the same intent without having to write a flat-fee check," he said.

The city is trying to separate itself from responsibility for maintenance of the 94-year-old structure, replied Sparkman. "I think you're trying to put back in what the city manager is trying to take out."

Asked by the mayor about the basis for the suggested $30,000, Sparkman said it is about one-third of the $100,000 the city budgeted last year for maintenance of the former school at 605 N. Collins St.

"There are people in this community that love the 1914 high school," Sparkman added.

"I don't see the need of giving money when it's not necessary," Dodson said, reiterating that the city should reimburse maintenance expenses as needed. "There's no use to spend $30,000 when you can spend less than that."

City Finance Director Martin Wisgerhof said maintenance expenses for the structure and grounds vary and, in 2006-07 ran $41,000, which includes pest control and similar services.

Lott said it would be unfair to cut city funding from $108,000 to zero in a single year and would likely create a shortfall for the nonprofit historical society.

Dodson suggested society President Shelby Bender be invited to weigh in on the matter at a future meeting.

The new fiscal year starts Oct. 1

Reporter George Wilkens can be reached at (813) 865-4433 or gwilkens@tampatrib.com