Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 23-41, Public Hearing, Amend the City of Port St. Lucie Code of Ordinances Title III, Chapter 36, Article I, "General Provisions," Increasing the Fees Charged By the Lien Services Division.
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Submitted By: Stephen Okiye, Finance Director, Finance Department.
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of a high-performing city government organization.
Executive Summary (General Business): The Finance Department is recommending an update to the Lien Services Ordinance, revising the fees for lien searches from $50 to $80 and offering a rush fee of $160 for expedited services.
Presentation Information: A short PowerPoint presentation by Charlie Proulx, Deputy Director, Finance.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council adopt Ordinance 23-41.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and adopt Ordinance 23-41.
2. Move that the Council provide staff direction.
Background: Prior to 2016, all lien-related matters such as lien searches, modifications, and recordings were decentralized amongst various departments making it challenging for customers and staff to address questions and operate efficiently. At the City Council Winter Retreat on March 3rd, 2016, the City Council unanimously approved the creation of Lien Services under the Finance Department to centralize and expedite the process. To offset the cost of additional staff and resources, a $50 administrative fee was approved per lien search (Ordinance 16-18). Most customers are lien search companies working on behalf of title companies, and a lien search letter from the City represents their due diligence in ensuring a clean title. At the time, the $50 administrative fee was consistent with other agencies; however, it has not been reviewed since. An analysis was recently conducted and shows that Port St. Lucie is well below the industry average of $86. To ensure our pr...
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