Chapter 8.26
FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES FEES
Sections:
8.26.010 Authority.
The Ocean Shores fire chief is directed to charge and the Ocean Shores finance department is hereby directed to collect fees for fire protection services as generally described hereafter. The fees to be imposed shall be established by a fee schedule adopted by resolution of the Ocean Shores city council and maintained on file with the city clerk/treasurer. Copies of the fee schedules shall be available upon request from both the clerk/treasurer and the Ocean Shores fire department. Fees shall, as closely as possible, reflect actual costs to the city which shall include, but not be limited to, the expense of city personnel, equipment, material, maintenance costs and overhead. All moneys received pursuant to this authority shall be deposited in the city’s general fund. (Ord. 525 § 1, 1992)
8.26.020 Fee services.
The general categories of services for which fees may be imposed shall include, but not be limited to:
A. Standby charges which are necessitated by a need for general public safety as set forth in the Revised Code of Washington and/or International Fire Code as adopted by the city;
B. Nonemergency services which protect the interests of a private party or organization as opposed to the public in general;
C. Services performed for any nontax or fee supporting institution or individual;
D. State or federal mandated services to any office of the state or federal government or any other agency;
E. Services performed outside corporate city limits if such services are not covered by contractual agreement;
F. Fire origin or cause determination services for fires that are determined to have been caused by a violation of local, state or federal laws;
G. The issuance of permits for public events where an admission is charged and/or public safety is a concern;
H. The inspection of any building or area as required by state law, local fire code and/or local ordinance;
I. Reproduction of any report or record;
J. Emergency services pertaining to medical care or treatment.
(Ord. 525 § 2, 1992)
8.26.030 Fee revisions.
The fire chief shall, whenever necessary to reflect changes in the reasonable costs of fee services, submit to the city council a revised fee schedule for review, approval and adoption by resolution. (Ord. 525 § 3, 1992)
8.26.040 Fee collection.
Any fee not paid within thirty days of the date of billing shall accrue interest at the rate of twelve percent per annum. In the event the city is required to retain an attorney to pursue collection, the prevailing party in such action shall be entitled to an award of its reasonable attorney fees and costs whether the matter be resolved by negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation. In addition to any other remedies available to it, the city may, following a default in payment of any fee, revoke or refuse to reissue the defaulting party’s business license, if any, until such time as the default has been cured. (Ord. 525 § 4, 1992)