HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/27/1993 Item 1 - Transient Occupancy Tax Increase IIIh�I�IIIIUIII(IIIII ,I _ MEETING DATE:
�nj�Illll Cl o san suis osispo ITEM NUMBER: 2,3
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
FROM: William C. Statler, Director of Financev.:.Z�'1 `
Prepared by: Linda Asprion, Revenue Manager4*0
SUBJECT: INCREASE IN TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX RATE
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Adopt an ordinance increasing the transient occupancy tax rate from nine percent (9%) to
ten percent (10%) effective July 1, 1993.
DISCUSSION
Background
The transient occupancy tax (TOT) was originally implemented in 1968 at a five percent
(5%) rate. Only two rate increases have occurred since then: in 1976, the TOT rate
increased by one percent (I ft and in 1991, the TOT rate was increased by three percent
(3%) to the current rate of nine percent (9%).
The need to address a rate increase in the TOT was recommended by staff and discussed
by Council at the March 13, 1993 study session (Exhibit A). At that time, Council provided
direction for staff to return with the required documentation to increase the TOT rate by
one percent (1%) to ten percent (10%). Accordingly, staff is presenting this item for
Council review.
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Who pays this tax?
This tax is paid by visitors to our community; it is not paid by local residents or businesses.
Placing this tax on the City's visitors appropriately recognizes that they receive municipal
services during their stay, and as such, they should share in the cost of providing them.
What is the TOT rate m other cities?
Based upon the survey of cities chosen for review in preparation for the March 13, 1993
study session, the following TOT rates are in effect:
Monterey 10% Camarillo 9%
Napa 10.5% Santa Barbara 10%
Santa Cruz 10% Visalia 8%
Ventura 10% Palm Springs 10%
Santa Maria 10% Davis 10%
Petaluma 10% San Juan Capistrano 10%
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Rates in other San Luis Obispo County areas are:
Pismo Beach 10% Atascadero 9%
Morro Bay 9% Paso Robles 9%
Grover Beach 10% Arroyo Grande 6%
San Luis Obispo County 9%
This survey indicates that the proposed increase in the City's TOT rate to ten percent (10%)
is comparable with what many other cities have already implemented.
FISCAL IMPACT
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The TOT revenue goes directly into the City's General Fund and is used for General Fund
purposes. Currently, the City receives approximately $2.3 million annually in TOT revenue.
By adopting the proposed increase, the City will receive approximately $260,000 in
additional TOT revenue. In conjunction with this increase, and consistent with Council
direction from their March 13, 1993 budget workshop, the Promotional Coordination
Committee (PCC) has been requested to prepare a funding increase option for promotional
activities in 1993-95 for Council consideration in June 1993. If, for example, promotional
funding was increased proportionate to the TOT increase, this would result in an
additional $25,550 above the current 1992-93 promotional budget (excluding carry-overs) of
$231,200.
Rather than assuming an across-the-board increase in currently funded activities, the PCC
has been requested to prepare recommendations for Council consideration on the best way
of using increased community promotion funds. The PCC has been requested to involve
tourist industry representatives to the maximum extent possible in preparing their
recommendations.
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ALTERNATIVE
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The Council may want to consider delaying the implementation date of the TOT increase
to October 1, 1993. This would provide a smoother transition for the hotels and motels as
they quote prices to tour companies for future bookings. However, by delaying the
implementation date from July 1, 1993 to October 1, 1993, the City would forfeit the
additional TOT revenues from the height of the 1993-94 tourist season. Based on past
trends, this delay would result in one-time loss of revenues in 1993-94 of approximately
$80,000.
SUMMARY
Increasing the TOT rate from nine percent (9%) to ten percent (10%) was proposed by staff
and discussed by Council at the March 13, 1993 study session - with direction provided to
staff to return with the proposed rate increase. The proposed increase will set TOT rates
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COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
at competitive levels with similar communities while generating funds that will assist in
meeting financial needs. As such, it is recommended that the Council adopt an ordinance
increasing the TOT rate to ten percent (10%) effective July 1, 1993.
ATTACHMENTS
Ordinance increasing the transient occupancy tax rate from nine percent(9%)to ten percent
(10%)
EXHIBIT
A. Recommended strategic budget direction from March 13, 1993 Council Agenda Report
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ORDINANCE NO (1993 SERIES)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
AMENDING CHAPTER 3.04, SECTION 3.04.030 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE
TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX RATE
WHEREAS, applicable state legislation provides the authority for counties and cities
to levy a hotel and motel room tax; and
WHEREAS,the Constitution of the State of California provides additional authority
to charter cities to levy such taxes; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has identified the need for increased financial support
for the usual and current expenses of the City, and to fund City projects and programs on
an ongoing basis by raising the Transient Occupancy Tax from nine percent (9%) to ten
percent (10%);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo as follows:
SECTION 1. Municipal Code Section 3.04.030 is hereby amended to read in full as
follows:
3.04.030 Imposed.
For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax
in the amount ofe-perseea (9gie) ze "YclQ of the rent charged by the operator.
The tax constitutes a debt owed by the transient to the City which is extinguished only by
payment to the operator or to the City. The transient shall pay the tax to the operator of
the hotel at the time the rent is paid. If the rent is paid in installments a proportionate
share of the tax shall be paid with each installment. The unpaid tax shall be due upon the
transient's ceasing to occupy space in the hotel. If for any reason the tax due is not paid to
the operator of the hotel, the Tax Administrator may require that such tax shall be paid
directly to the Tax Administrator.
SECTION 2. This ordinance, inasmuch as it provides for a tax levy for the usual and
current expenses of the City, shall take effect immediately upon adoption, except that the
additional tax imposed by this ordinance shall become operative and be imposed on July 1,
1993 and shall not apply prior to said date.
SECTION 3. This ordinance, approved by the City Attorney, together with the ayes
and noes, shall be published once in full, at least five (5) days prior to the final passage in
the Telegram-Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in said City, and the same shall
go into effect July 1, 1993.
INTRODUCED AND PASSED TO PRINT by the Council of the City of San Luis
Obispo at its meeting held on the day of 1993, on motion
of seconded by , and on
the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Mayor Peg Pinard
ATTEST:
City Clerk Diane Gladwell
APPROVED:
i tt e
RECOMMENDED ST( TEGIC BUDGET DIRECTV
FISCAL PROBLEM
Revenue/Expenditure Gap 2,800,000
/ Projected at basically the same as the five year forecast presented to Council on November 10, 1992
except sales tax revenues are projected to be better by$300,000 while insurance expenditures
(workers compensation/liability)are projected to be$600,000 higher.
State Takeways
Projected to be at least$500,000,based on the experience of the last two years.State cuts above 500,000
$500,000 take us into the contingency plan.
TOTAL: 3 00 000
Forecastassumptions continue to include reducing equipment replacement by25%and CIPprojects by5095'
.
RECOMMENDATIONS
r Implement expenditure/service cuts — reduces regular staffing by 30 positions(11%b). 2,189,800
r Use fund balance(reserves),capital project cuts,and sale of property to partially
fund construction of the Fire Station Headquarters and Performing Arts Center in order
to reduce future debt service costs. 497,000
r Increase revenues: 1993-94
— Increase cable franchise taxrate from 4%to 5% 41,000
Increase recreation fees to achieve.50%overall cost recovery 100,000
— Increase transient occupancy tax rate from 9%to 1095' 260,000
— Updatepublic safety fees from 1983 levels 106,000
— Implement reimbursement to the General Fund from Water and Sewer Funds for
computer mapping(CARD)engineering services 52,200
Adopt proposed Uniform Building Code fees in 1994 in accordance with Citypolicy 54,000
The following new revenue sources are also recommended. However,they are either restricted
in their use for specific capital purposes,cannot be implemented until late in 1994-95 at the
earliest,are contingent upon further legal developments,or require significant poilcy decisions
that in some cases(such as paramedic fees)require actions by other government agencies.
Because of this,they cannot be relied upon in balancing our budget for 1993-95. However,
they will improve our long term fiscal health,and as such,policy approval to begin the steps
necessary to implement them at the earliest possible opportunity is recommended at this time:
— AD=te CDBGrevenues for Indirect costs,economic stability,and homeless shelter
— Implement paramedic service charges
— Update park in—lieu fees from 1984 levels
— Improve special event cost recovery
— Establish transportation andgeneral facility development impact fees
— Adopt local property transfer tax
+ Begin negotiations with employee associations to identify and agree upon ways of
reducing labor costs that can reduce the impact of service/staffing cuts. unknown
TOTAL 3.300.000
CONTINGENCY PLANS
What we must do if there are further state takeavra-W or we do not achieve recommended components.
w Further service/staffing cuts as presented in this report
Further labor cost savings
Further revenue increases
— Greater user fee cost recovery
— Assesment districts
— Expanded tax base
— Other revenue increases
as- Further use of fund balance (reserves)
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M"71NG AGENDA
RECOMMENDED STRATEGIC BUDGET DIRECTIN-4c ITEM #_._--
FISCAL PROBLEM
Revenue/Expenditure Gap 2,500,000
Projected at basically the same as the five year forecast presented to Council on November 10, 1992
except sales tax revenues are projected to be better by$300,000 while insurance expenditures
(workers compensation liability)are projected to be$600,000 higher.
State Takeways
Projected to be at least$500,000,based on the experience of the last two years.State cuts above 500,000
$500,000 take us into the contingency plan.
TOTAL 3,300,000
Forecast assumptions con tin ue to include reducing equipment replacement by 25%and CIP projects by 5096.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Implement expenditure/service cuts — reduces regular staffing by 30 positions(11%). 2,189,500
•F Use fund balance (reserves),capital project cuts,and sale of property to partially
fund construction of the Fire Station Headquarters and Performing Arts Center in order
to reduce future debt service costs. 497,000
.F Increase revenues: 1993-94
— Incrense cable franchise tnxnac from 49c to 5576 41,000
— Increase recreation fees to nc•hieve 50%overall cost recovery 100,000
— Increase transient occupancy mx rnte from 9% to 1096 260,000
— Updatepublicsafely fees from 198.7levels 106,000
— Implement reimbursement to the General Fund from WaternndSewer Funds for
computer mapping(CADD)engineering services 52,200
— Adop1 proposed Uniform Building Code fees in 1994 in accordance with Citypolicy -54,000
are also recommended. However,they are either restricted
The following new revenue sources
in their use for specific capital purposes,cannot be implemented until late in 1994-95 at the
earliest,are contingent upon further legal developments,or require significant poilcy decisions
that in some cases (such as paramedic fees) require actions by other government agencies.
Because of this,they cannot be relied upon in balancing our budget for 1993-95. However,
they will improve our long term fiscal health,and as such,policy approval to begin the steps
necessary to implement them at the earliest possible opportunity is recommended at this time:
— AlloaveCDBGrevenuesforindirectcosts, economicstability,and homeless shelter
— Implement paramedic service charges
Upda to park in—lie u fees from 1984 levels
- Improve specinl event cost recovery
— Establish lransportntion nndgenern I facility development impact fees
— AdopI locol property transfer tnx
Begin negotiations with employee associations to identify and agree upon ways of
reducing labor costs that can reduce the impact of service/staffing cuts. unknown
TOTAL 3 300 000
CONTINGENCY PLANS
What we must do if there arc furthcrstatc takeaways or we do not acbicve recommended components.
Further service/staffing cuts as presented in this report
r Further labor cost savings COPir5TO:
+ Further revenue increases ❑fes- ot,,A�on 1❑ FM
— Greater user fee cost recovery L✓� Coc�cl ❑ PDD1R
— Assesment districts -�_�� 6�6�"FL�I•LnR•
— Expanded tax base
' t"FTOR'Nmy C1 FIN DR.
Other revenue increases U1 CLE[:7:/Q?iG. ❑ PCoL:CECFI.
as- Further use of fund balance (reserves) ❑ fGQt✓,T'.i!--al LJ I:CC.D:I:
-- -GENE-R*-AL Ft+N-D---
Summary of Proposed Budget/Regular Staffing Reductions
Current Resources (1) Recommended Cuts
Regular Budget Repular Staffing
Bud et Staffing Amt Cut % Cut No.Cut % Cut
City Council 133,900 16,200 12.1%
Administration 492,900 6.0 99,000 20.1% 1.5 25.0%
City Attorney 238,500 3.0 0 0.0% 0.0 0.0%
City Clerk 332,200 6.0 53,800 16.2% 1.0 16.7%
Personnel 487,600 6.6 95,300 19.5% 1.5 25.0%
Finance 978,600 17.0 133,100 13.6% 3.0 17.6%
Insurance& Non-Depart.1 964,900
Community Development(3) 1,456,600 22.3 172,100 11.8% 2.5 11.2%
Recreation 1,284,200 13.0 105,800 8.2% 2.0 15.4%
Public Works(4) 4,887,800 64.5 553,600 11.3% 6.5 10.1%
Utillities (5) 58,600
Police (6) 5,671,200 84.0 504,600 8.9% 6.0 7.1%
Fire 4,071,700 54.5 375,600 9.2% 6.0 11.0%
Special Programs
- Human relations grants 86,900 9,000 10.4%
- Cultural activity grants 1 83,800 8,700 10.4%
Community piomolion 231,200 24,000 10.4%
- Homeless shelter(2) 120,000 0 0.0%
- Economic stability 139,000 39,0001. 28.1
Total General Fund(7) 1,21,719,6001 276.31 2,189,80011 10.1% 1' 30.01 10.9%
Notes:
1. Based on the adopted budget for 1992-93 as reduced by Council (on an annualized basis)on
November 10, 1992.
2. Reflects full funding for 1993-94;proposed to be deleted from General Fund effective 1994-95.
3. Includes Open Space Planner position scheduled for deletion effective 1993-94.
4. Includes Transportation Manager as well as Engineering Assistant position scheduled for deletion
effective 1993-94.
5. Includes overfill Police Lieutenant position.
6. This reflects the solid\Nnsle management program,which is tasked\vilh preparing stale-mandated recycling
and source reduction programs.Accordingly, no reductions are proposed for this relatively small General
Fund activity.
7. Excludes all activities and regular positions funded through special,enterpriseand agency funds:
Current Resources(1)
Regular
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Bud et Staffing_
BIA 169,300 0.0
Water 3,721,500 21.3
Se\wr 2,23-2,900 25.2
Parking 619,600 6.0
Transit 749,600 1.0
Golf 272,300 3.0 C E I V S wD
)
Whale Rock 615,600 3.5
Total Other Funds 8,380800 60.0 APR 2 / 1993
Total General Fund 21,719,600 276.3
TOTAL - ALL FUNDS 30,100,400 3362 C1'N CLERK
S*LUIS OBISPO.CA