Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution would waive license and permit fees for Public Passenger Services through December 31, 2021. Public Passenger Service fees include a license for the business ($1,750 for a 2-year renewal), vehicle fees ($65 per vehicle), and driver's permits ($25 per driver). The anticipated revenue loss from waiving the business and vehicle fees is $5,000 and $11,000 respectively.
Fees from driver's permits averaged $19,000 per year in 2018 and 2019. However, 2020 saw fewer driver's permit applicants with fee revenues around $11,000. Assuming driver's permit application numbers similar to 2020, the estimated revenue loss from waiving all Public Passenger Service fees in 2021 is $27,000. These fees represent a general fund revenue source.
Additionally, the Madison Police Department conducts background checks on applicants for driver's permits, which includes an in-state check and an out-of-state check for any state the applicant has lived. Police is charged $7 for each in-state and out-of-state check. These costs will continue to be incurred to administer the driver's permit applications.
Title
Waiving license and permit fees for Public Passenger Services under Sections 11.06 (4)(a) , 11.06(5)(a) and 11.06(6)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances for the 2021 calendar year due to COVID-19 and other economic hardships
Body
WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, Public Health Madison & Dane County announced that community spread of COVID-19 was occurring in Dane County, with the first confirmed community death being reported on March 25; and,
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020, the Governor of Wisconsin issued Emergency Order #12 ordering individuals to remain home except for Essential Travel; and,
WHEREAS, as part of the Governor’s Order, all Nonessential Businesses were required to close; and,
WHEREAS, the closure of numerous businesses throughout the City had a significant financial impact on residents, businesses and community organizations; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes that taxicabs and taxicab companies now hold less market share due to other transportation network companies; and,
WHEREAS, due to the financial hardship caused by COVID-19, the Common Council has adopted several resolutions waiving various license and permit fees; and,
WHEREAS, due to the continued hardship on companies who transport passengers for hire, it is recommended that all license and permit fees required under Sections 11.06(4)(a), 11.06(5)(a) and 11.06(6)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances be waived through December 31, 2021.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that effective immediately and through December 31, 2021, licensing fees for Public Passenger Services to engage in the business of transporting passengers for hire under Section 11.06(4)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances are hereby waived; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that effective immediately and through December 31, 2021, Public Passenger Vehicle Permit Fees under Section 11.06(5)(a) of the Madison General Ordinances are hereby waived; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that effective immediately and through December 31, 2021, Public Passenger Vehicle Driver’s Permit Fees under Section 11.06(6)(a) are hereby waived.