City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 04
Chapter 04.02
Section 04.02.010
 

Title 04 Administrative Agencies and Procedures

Chapter 04.02 Special Administrative Procedures – Billing and Collection of Claims

Article I. In General

Section 04.02.010 Policy to Collect Accounts
  1. It is the policy of the City to promptly identify and collect all duly payable moneys related to services rendered, damage to City property, or any other source.
  1. It is the policy of the City to regularly review and, as necessary, adjust schedules for fees, charges, and other assessments to ensure the City recovers at least the actual cost of delivering said services. Accordingly, during the even year of each biennium, all city departments shall review as appropriate their schedules for fees, charges, and other assessments to ensure there is adequate cost recovery for the services rendered and shall then report the status and outcome of such review to the Mayor and City Council.  The biennial review and adjustment shall be governed by the following specific criteria:
    1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, fees, charges and assessments shall be adjusted by reference to the Consumer Price Index published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, (All City Average (CPI-U and CPI-W)) or such other applicable index or formula appropriate for the service rendered.
    1. General facilities charges shall be updated and maintained pursuant to Chapters 13.03 and 13.04 of the Spokane Municipal Code.
    1. Transportation impact fees shall be updated and maintained pursuant to Chapter 17D.075 of the Spokane Municipal Code.
    1. This section shall not apply to criminal and civil penalties fees, which shall be adjusted consistent with state law and any penalty schedule established separately under the Spokane Municipal Code.
    1. In reviewing fees, charges, and other assessments each biennium, each City department shall systematically and resolutely pursue opportunities to maximize operational efficiency, eliminate waste, streamline processes, and minimize administrative costs to ensure the lowest possible financial burden on payers. This includes exploring innovative solutions that enhance effectiveness and reduce expenses. In conjunction with the Information Technology Division, departments shall also evaluate and implement apt software and platforms that automate workflows, improve accuracy, and reduce the costs associated with calculating and billing fees, charges, and other assessments.
    1. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit review and adjustment of fees more frequently than every biennium.

Date Passed: Monday, May 5, 2025

Effective Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

ORD C36670 Section 1