–The Algona City Council continued their discussion about raising certain public fees during a work session on Tuesday. City Administrator Jacob Tjaden had laid out the changes back in December, and at that time said they were not able to determine when the last time was that the city had updated these fees.
Tjaden says the proposed increases are in line with similar sized cities across Iowa, but still on the cheap end.
Tjaden says with the increased fees, they will also be implementing a standard for determining a projects valuation.
To go along with an increase in building permit, site development and code enforcement fees, the city is looking to establish an urban forest utility. Tjaden says these funds would be used solely for maintenance, treatment, replacement, and disposal of trees on any city owned property.
City staff will present a resolution approving the fee increases during the council’s next meeting on January 15th. The Urban Forest Utility will be established by ordinance, so the council will look at the first reading on the 15th as well. If approved in a timely manner, the $2/month fee would show up on residents March 20th AMU bill.
