Notice of Intent

The City of Holbrook’s proposed fee changes, as outlined in the provided document, aim to address rising operational costs and align with regional standards. Below is a summary of the key fee adjustments and their justifications across various services:

Faxes (Section 1-2):

• Proposed Fee: $1.00 per page (previously $0.00).
• Justification: Covers administrative and labor costs, aligns with modern standards, and supports office equipment funding without relying on general funds.

Building Inspection and Zoning Fees (Section 2 & 3):

• Examples:
  • Building Permit Fees: Based on IBC/UBC 2018 charts.
  • Electrical/Gas Permit: $50.00 (includes inspection).
  • Zone Change: $250.00; Conditional Use Permit: $150.00; Variance Permit: $250.00.
• Justification: Outdated fees (some unchanged since 1970s) no longer cover rising costs. Adjustments align with Navajo County and nearby municipalities, improve staff training, technology, and streamline processes.

Fitness Center (Section 5-1):

• Proposed Fees: Monthly membership: $20.00 (from $12.50); Daily pass: $10.00 (from $6.00).
• Justification: Below industry standards; increases cover operational costs, equipment upkeep, and enhance member experience while remaining affordable.

Gillespie Park Electricity (Section 5-4):

• Proposed Fee: $20.00/day for vendors/others; $5.00/day for non-profits.
• Justification: Recovers operational costs for powering events, ensures equitable contribution (non-profits pay less), and supports park maintenance.

Golf Course Fees at Hidden Cove (Section 6):

• Examples:
  • 18-Hole Walking Fee: $50.00 (from $25.00, 100% increase).
  • Single Monthly Greens Fee: $70.00 (from $40.00, 75% increase).
  • Cart Rental (9 holes): $15.00 (from $10.00, 50% increase).
• Justification: Aligns with regional market trends, funds course improvements (landscaping, facilities), and remains competitive despite increases.

Swimming Pool Fees (Section 7):

• Proposed Fees:
  • Child (5 and under): $2.00 (from $1.25, 60% increase).
  • Adult (18-61): $4.00 (from $2.25, 78% increase).
  • Water Aerobics: $20.00/month (from $12.00, 67% increase).
  • Pool Rental: $85.00/hour (from $60.00, 42% increase).
• Justification: Addresses operational losses, covers staffing and maintenance costs, and ensures sustainability while keeping fees fair across user groups.

Residential Water Utility Deposit (Section 8-5):

• Proposed Fee: $250.00 (from $150.00).
• Justification: Higher deposit reflects delinquent account balances (62 accounts exceeded $150.00 in recent billing), reduces administrative costs, and encourages timely payments.

Sanitation Fees (Section 10 & 11):

• Examples:
  • Residential Toter: $30.08/month; Extra Toter: $24.68/month.
  • Transfer Station (without account): $24.00/cubic yard for household/yard waste; $48.00/cubic yard for construction debris.
• Justification: Reflects true service costs, adds transparency for commercial green waste, and aligns with regional standards.

Cemetery Fees (Section 12):

• Examples:
  • Standard Grave (Resident, In-City + 10 miles): $600.00.
  • Non-Resident (outside Navajo County): $2400.00.
  • Headstone Setting (Upright Double): $350.00.
• Justification: Lower than regional rates, addresses non-resident demand, and funds maintenance for a dignified resting place.

Library Fees (Section 13):

• Proposed Fees:
  • Replacement Item Processing: $20.00 (from $5.00).
  • Meeting Room Rental: $75.00/4 hours or $150.00/8 hours (new fee).
• Justification: Covers rising material and labor costs, ensures budget neutrality for replacements and rentals.

Justice Court Staffing Fee (Section 14-5):

• Proposed Fee: $45.00 (from $30.00).
• Justification: Aligns with Navajo County’s updated fee (per Ordinance 03-11, amended June 25, 2024), covers staffing costs ($604,217 for FY 2024-2025), and ensures equitable cost-sharing.

Animal Shelter Fees (Section 15):

• Examples:
  • Pet Disposal: $75.00 for first 75 lbs, $25.00 per additional 75 lbs.
  • Microchip: $20.00; Rabies Shot (owner reclaim): $15.00.
  • Dog Adoption: $80.00; Cat Adoption: $50.00.
• Justification: Reduces reliance on general funds, supports licensing, inspections, and animal care, enhancing sustainability.

Civil Penalties/Abatement Fees (Section 18):

• Proposed Fees:
  • 1st Violation: $150.00.
  • 2nd Violation (within 24 months): $300.00.
  • 3rd Violation (within 36 months): $500.00.
• Justification: Encourages compliance with city code, covers abatement costs if violations persist.

Public Input

Residents can comment in writing before the City Council meeting or testify in person.

Conclusion

These fee increases aim to recover costs, align with regional standards, and ensure financial sustainability for Holbrook’s services while maintaining affordability and fairness. For further details, download the full notice or contact City Clerk Lisa Hunt.