A resolution requesting the Vice Mayor to appoint five Members of Council to a task force to study the fees charged and collected by the Metropolitan Government.

WHEREAS, various departments and agencies of the Metropolitan Government charge certain fees for permits and services provided; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Council recently enacted Ordinance No. BL2004-175, which increased various fees assessed by the Department of Codes Administration based upon recommendations resulting from an audit of the department; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Planning Commission is in the process of submitting a new fee schedule for the Planning Department to the Council for approval; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Government has the authority by law to set fees up to the actual cost of the services performed; and

WHEREAS, fees charged by the Metropolitan Government comprise a substantive portion of the operating budget for the government; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Finance has recently submitted information to the Council regarding all fees collected by the various departments and agencies of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that a task force be appointed to study the fees charged and collected by the Metropolitan Government and to make a recommendation as to any adjustments in fee schedules that need to be made.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Vice Mayor to appoint a task force of five Members of Council, to be Chaired by the Metro Council Pro Tem, to study the permit charges and other fees charged and collected by the Metropolitan Government. Such task force should convene on July 1, 2004, and report back to the full Council not later than October 1, 2004.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a certified copy of this Resolution to Vice Mayor Howard Gentry.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jim Forkum