Fiscal Note
On March 23, 2020, the Mayor issued an Emergency Proclamation based on the increasing transmission of the COVID-19 virus within the City of Madison. To help mitigate the financial impacts of this emergency on the businesses and residents of Madison, the proposed resolution authorizes Public Health Madison and Dane County to reduce the fees associated with licensed establishments to the 2019 rates, waive late fees, and offer renewal fee deferment until December 31, 2020.
The 2020 Adopted Operating Budget increased these fees by 17%, the increase was projected to generate $329,600 annually. Funding from the fee increase was intended to fund the creation of two positions (Sanitarian and Sanitarian Supervisor). Neither of these positions will be filled for the remainder of 2020.
Public Health anticipates the loss in late fees to be $17,000.
Deferment of renewal fees will result in a delay in receiving the revenue until 2021. At this time the fiscal impact is not quantifiable. Public Health estimates that the number of establishments seeking renewal will decrease by 10%, or 345.
The Dane County Board of Supervisors will also have to approve these measures. Adoption is anticipated on April 2, 2020.
A budget amendment is not proposed at this time. The Finance Department is closely monitoring the 2020 budget and subsequent budget amendment resolutions to fully fund the response efforts are anticipated in the future.
Title
Authorizing Public Health to reduce fees for numerous licensed establishments to the 2019 rate, and authorizing waiving late fees and offer renewal fee deferment where permitted
Body
WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, pursuant to Madison General Ordinance Section 3.19, the Mayor issued an Emergency Proclamation, based on the increasing transmission of COVID-19 within the City of Madison; 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 are required to close; and
WHEREAS, the closure of numerous businesses throughout the City has the potential to have significant negative financial impact on residents.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that effective immediately until December 31, 2020, Public Health Madison and Dane County is authorized to reduce the fees associated with food and drink establishments, temporary food establishments, tattoo and body piercing, hotels and tourist rooming houses, campgrounds and recreational campgrounds to the 2019 rate and waive late fees and offer renewal fee deferment if not contrary to Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection guidelines.