Title
A Resolution of the City Commission of Coral Gables, Florida, amending Ordinance 2015-17, as amended, to revise various Local Business Taxes by the Finance Department and False Alarm Fees by the Fire Department; providing severability clause, and an effective date.
Body
On June 16, 2015, the City Commission adopted Ordinance 2015-17 that restated and amended city-wide fees, licenses, permits, services and penalties. Since that time, the City has made periodic updates, which are reflected in this updated Fee Schedule.
The attached resolution corrects certain Local Business Tax (LBT) classifications and rates to more accurately reflect the type of business. (LBT items 1900 - Art Gallery; and 21801 - Restaurant/Delicatessen, Take-Out; pages 56 and 76 of Exhibit I). For these classifications, the rate is being decreased and will have a retroactive effective date to October 1, 2017 (those businesses that have paid the higher rate will receive a refund). The amended local business tax rates will negatively adjust annual revenue by approximately $4,800.
Fire False Alarm Fees for Commercial Businesses are being added to the fee schedule. (page 81 of Exhibit I). These proposed rates are comparable to fire false alarm rates currently being charged for commercial properties by other neighboring municipalities. The City has not charged fire false alarms previously. These rates are estimated to adjust annual revenue by approximately $50,000.00. The Fire Department responds to all fire alarm notifications in the City as an emergency call for service. The Fire Prevention Division has provided for a proactive approach to reduce false alarms that includes; public educations, site visits to buildings that experience multiple false alarms, as well as requiring fire alarm servicing and recertification. False fire alarm responses places an undue burden on the response system as it results in an emergency response unit not being available for an actual emergency. ...
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