Who Is Subsidizing Who?

If I understand correctly, Residents, Businesses, and tourists pay certain fees and taxes to keep Government moving.

Government, technically, should not be turning a profit on services.

We pay the Government to provide services to their Residents, Businesses and Tourists right?

Well...in today's OC Register;

"Fee hikes on horizon in Newport Beach."

According to a City-commissioned report, the City doesn't charge their Residents, Businesses, or Tourists enough for certain City services.

So the consultant suggests we raise fees (or that the fees already charged are not comparable to our neighboring cities) so that the City can start recouping costs on certain things like:

• Police Services (if the City would stop increasing Pensions and Salaries...)
  
• Planning Department Services
• Recreation Services
• Neutered Dog License Fees
• Alcohol Sales Permits
• Short Term Lodging Fees

Apparently, the consultant feels that the City should be able to recoup more of the costs for these services.

Hey, I have an idea.

In order to keep the City's coffers in good condition, why didn't the consultant suggest that we cut costs instead of raising fees (taxes...).

This "Raising Fee" mentality (which the State of California LOVES) instead of "Cutting Costs" sure is contagious.

I sure hope our "Republican" City Council doesn't even think twice about these fee increases.