Fernandina Beach approves new fee and rate schedules for FY 2014/15

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

September 18, 2014 5:08 p.m.

On second reading at the September 16, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Fernandina Beach City Commission, commissioners unanimously approved a 3% rate hike for water and sewer (Ordinance 2014-23).  There was no public input or commission discussion.  With approval of the annual pay and classification plan (Ordinance 2014-25), there was also no public input or commission discussion.  But the third ordinance (2014-24), which established a long list of fees for all types of city permits and services ranging from the city cemetery to the airport and beyond, raised some public input and commission discussion.

Roy Smith

Audience member and candidate for City Commission Group 2 seat Roy Smith questioned the golf fees.  He asked for an explanation of the fees, asking why, if city taxpayers are required to subsidize the municipal course operations annually to the tune of more than $300K, the golfers are not required to pay higher fees.  City Manager Joe Gerrity explained the variety of golf course fees covered in the Master Schedule.  He said that there was a small increase in annual fees this year.  With the recommended fees, Billy Casper Golf, the city’s contracted management company, expects to break even in the new fiscal year.  Smith said, “I’m surprised you had to wait for Billy Casper to recommend raising the rates.  If you increased round fees by $8, you would eliminate your debt.  It’s not fair to the other taxpayers to subsidize the debt out there.”

Commissioner Charlie Corbett advised Smith that if Billy Casper Golf increases fees too much, that would drive away patrons. Gerrity said that Billy Casper revenues were based on their projections for anticipated rounds of golf to be played, memberships, etc.

Both Commissioner Johnny Miller and Mayor Ed Boner asked about adding a surcharge to go toward a particular project, such as rebuilding the greens or paying down the existing debt for the clubhouse construction and irrigation project.  Miller said that he keeps hearing that fees at the golf course are too low; Boner said he has heard people say that they would not mind paying a surcharge if it would go toward rebuilding the greens.  Gerrity indicated that there is currently a small surcharge—less than 50 cents – that has been in place for many years.

Robin Lentz

Mayor Boner recognized audience member Robin Lentz, a candidate for the Group 3 commission seat.  Lentz directed her question to Commissioner Charlie Corbett, asking if the Greens and Oversight Committee that replaced the former Golf Course Advisory Board might discuss the question of fees.  Corbett replied that the new committee was not involved in issues like that.  Lentz asked if the FBCC could meet with Billy Casper to talk about raising fees.  She added that she thought the city golf course is a wonderful activity and was only looking for possibly ways to increase its financial viability, since so many people have told her that they would not mind paying an added $3 per round, “the price of a cup of coffee at Starbucks on Tuesday.”  She thanked the FBCC for its indulgence.

Mayor Boner asked the other commissioners about seeking input on raising fees from the course Golf Associations.  Commissioner Pat Gass said, “That’s something we can always do.  We don’t need to do it in connection with this item today.”

The FBCC passed the Master Fee Schedule as corrected unanimously.  Gerrity reminded commissioners that while the annual rates would be set with this ordinance, daily rates could change.  He said that he would be reluctant to make any changes without Billy Casper representatives present.

All fees and rates approved for FY2014/15 are available for consultation in the Clerk’s Office or on the city website, www.fbfl.us.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.