Resolution amending the city's fee schedule for Strike Reviews and Administrative Hearings, and establishing the hourly rate for Hearing Officers.

Adoption of the attached resolution.

In December 2015, an ordinance was adopted related to Administrative Hearing Procedures and fees were established in January 2016, as follows: Strike Review Hearing Fee of $25; and an Administrative Hearing Fee of $75. In addition, a fee of $150/hour was set for the Hearing Officer. 

It has been 10 years since the fees were set, and with the amount that it costs to conduct a hearing, as we have found in several cases, the lowest hourly rate for a hearing officer is $250/hour, it is requested that the fees be adjusted as follows: Strike Review Hearing Fee of $75; and an Administrative Hearing Fee of $250, which is also consistent with the current dangerous dog hearing fee. The increase in the administrative appeal hearing fees is more representative of the costs associated with conducting the hearings. Even by adjusting the fees, which would help offset the costs associated with the hearings, the city would still subsidize and cover the full amount of the hearing, as the initial fee only covers one hour. The attached fee schedule reflects the proposed changes. 

Modifications to the City Code are also being reviewed related to refunds and the hearing fees being applied to any fines or penalties.