Fee Schedule and Fee Waiver Policy for the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation, and Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments
Purpose
To establish a user fee schedule for the Parks and Recreation, and Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments, and to maintain consistency in application of a fee waiver and/or reduction policy.
Policy
The Board of County Commissioners retains authority to review and approve a user fee schedule for services in the Parks and Recreation, and Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments. Hillsborough County Code of Ordinances and Laws Chapter 38, Article II, Section 38-35 enables the Department Directors to reduce and/or waive fees totaling $500.00 or less that are assessed in accordance with this user fee schedule.
In this instance, the Department Directors will review written requests for fee reductions or waivers and the following factors shall be considered in determining whether there is a good faith justification for the reduction or waiver:
- Whether the request is from a Tax-exempt or community service organization serving the residents of Hillsborough County;
- Whether the County or community where the event will take place receives a benefit from the event;
- Whether the County is co-sponsoring the event;
- Whether a financial hardship is established by the requesting party;
- Whether the requesting party is another governmental agency; and
- Whether it is determined that the event or program will have no significant on the park facilities or department activities.
In applying these factors as part of any review of a request to reduce or waive a fee, the Department Directors shall employ a policy of review that is uniform, consistent, non-discriminatory, and compliant with applicable law.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation, and Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Departments to periodically review and recommend to the Board of County Commissioners revisions in the user fee schedule for services offered. Once approved, the Departments shall be responsible to implement and control this fee schedule.