Letter requesting repeal of Fire Dept. fees

Troy Summerill will be reading the following at the City Council meeting, tonight:

Mayor Bunker and esteemed Council: 

On behalf of the membership of the Hospitality Associates of Ocean Shores I am here to ask your consideration of repealing the recent fire department fees lodged against the business community. As president of the associates, I have heard from the majority of our membership voicing concern for the added fees when these economic times have stretched their cash flow positions to deficit proportions. We believe that further examination and review of these changes and fees by the city council is needed.

Following are only a few comments from our members and submitted for your consideration:

-                Relevance of the need for tank inspections that can continue to be completed by the vendor and keep the burden of safety on them as vendor/operators within the city of Ocean Shores.

-                Why are the businesses being charged for LPG licenses and the homeowners are not?

-                Open communication from city service officers of pending fee increases, new policies.

-                The addition of a second fire inspection that we are now being charged for.

-                No one wants to see vital fire and rescue services cut, that enhancement of safety for our customers must not be jeopardized. Is there no room in the city budget to aid the fire department to maintain the quality of services they wish to provide?

-                Allow 2009 as a budgeting opportunity for our members to plan for the anticipated increased fee costs in their 2010 budget.

-                Why are the businesses being TAXED?

-                What additional services are the businesses getting for these extra fees?

-                Where were these fees founded?

The Hospitality Associates of Ocean Shores wishes to extend our resources in helping find a positive solution that suits our city, our business community and ultimately the community as a whole. We also appreciate the dedication the Ocean Shores Fire Department shows to our tourist community in providing the very best of services that keep our establishments safe and up to code while they shop, lodge and recreate in our businesses.

We thank you for your time and consideration on these very relevant matters that impact our community’s present and future.

Respectfully,

Troy E. Summerill CHA, CFBE

President

Hospitality Associates of Ocean Shores

P.O. Box 1788

Ocean Shores WA, 98569