Title
Resolution approving the fee schedule for permits under the Food Establishment Ordinance.
Summary
An agreement between the City of Pflugerville and Bureau Veritas for food establishment inspections was executed late last year after Williamson County dropped the City from its food establishment inspection program. This agreement with Bureau Veritas, similar to the agreement with Williamson County, provides for semi-annual inspections for food establishments permitted within the city limits, and is administered by the Building Inspections Department.
In order to facilitate a smooth transition between the regulatory agencies last year, staff recommended a fee schedule consistent with the fees charged by the Williamson County for food establishment permits. These fees were generally less than the fees administered by Bureau Veritas. For example, the previous food establishment permit fees were based on number of employees, and ranged from $150.00 to $750.00. The new fee will be a flat rate regardless of the number of employees and all food establishments will be charged the same flat rate of $400.00.
Staff has evaluated the fee structure and has adjusted all fees to match the rates charged by Bureau Veritas.
Food establishment complaints are handled promptly by Bureau Veritas. The fee for the first complaint on a food establishment is paid by the City of Pflugerville, with the second and subsequent complaints billed to the food establishment. There has been one complaint since the food establishment ordinance was passed. The investigation concluded that the complaint was unfounded.
The fee for swimming pools has been changed to clarify that fees are charged per pump system. This means, for example, a wading pool with a pump system different from that of the main swimming pool will be charged a separate permit fee.
The Technology Fee will not apply to these permits.
To date, the expense over revenue for health inspection permits is $18,250.
Status
The proposed fee schedule will become effective December 1, 2013, or with establishments filing permits for calendar year 2014.
Prior City Council Action
The current fee schedule for permits under the Food Establishment Ordinance was approved by resolution on December 11, 2012.
Deadline for City Council Action
Staff is requesting approval on August 27, 2013 in order to inform the food establishments by letter of the fee increases long before the December deadline.
Projected Future City Council Action
N/A
Fiscal Impact
To date, the expense over revenue for health inspection permits is $18,250. Since the fees are associated with a pass-through contractual agreement, there will no longer be a fiscal impact associated with this service.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval.
Drafter
Trey Fletcher, Assistant City Manager