TITLE
Recommendation to adopt resolution providing for a temporary amnesty program for waiving ($30) late penalties for dog licenses for the period from May 1, 2010 through May 31, 2010. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
In an effort to encourage residents to license their animals for the first time, or to make their existing dog license current, a number of agencies nationwide are participating in a National License/Tag Month. As part of this campaign, agencies are providing incentives including one-time amnesty programs for late fees to encourage voluntary compliance.
Currently, there are approximately 12,000 delinquent, expired, or temporary dog licenses in the City of Long Beach which are eligible for ($30) late penalties (LBMC 6.08.040 - Tag Penalty). It is estimated that approximately 60 percent or 7,200 include animals that are still living in the City.
To encourage residents to make their licenses current in May 2010, ACS is requesting approval to implement a one-time late fee amnesty program. This would eliminate the one-time ($30) late fee during this period if animal owners voluntarily make their licenses current by mail or in person. Voluntary licensing saves significant time and resources involved with pursuing delinquent accounts. New or renewed licenses can also generate significant ongoing revenue in future fiscal years.
Finally, given the current economic situation, incentive programs can also provide residents with a one-time opportunity for much needed budgetary relief to animal owners and families, while still ensuring that licensing fees are paid.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Linda Trang on March 25, 2010 and Budget Management Officer Victoria Bell on March 29, 2010.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is requested at the April 20, 2010 Council meeting in order to implement the program in May 2010 and generate significant revenue for the current fiscal year.
FISCAL IMPACT
Based on past efforts to target delinquent license accounts through standard mailing and canvassing campaigns, staff estimates that approximately 20 percent or 1,512 of these individuals will be made current during the fiscal year, yielding an estimated $96,780 in General Fund revenue. By eliminating the one-time ($30) late penalty for one month, staff estimates that approximately 40 percent or 3,024 of these individuals will take advantage of the program, immediately making their licenses current and yielding an estimated $102,830 in Fiscal Year 2010.
This program will also reduce approximately $45,000 in current fiscal year expenditures associated with pursuing delinquent accounts including the additional printing, postage, administrative time, record keeping, and door-to-door canvassing, for an estimated 1 ,500 delinquent licenses.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LONG BEACH PROVIDING FOR A TEMPORARY AMNESTY PROGRAM WAIVING LATE PENALTY FEES FOR DOG LICENSES FOR THE PERIOD FROM MAY 1, 2010 THROUGH MAY 31,2010
Respectfully Submitted,
RONALD R. ARIAS
DIRECTOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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PATRICK H. WEST |
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CITY MANAGER |