NOTE:  As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used for other purposes.

 

The most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website.  The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not.  Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

 

 

F I S C A L   I M P A C T   R E P O R T

 

 

 

SPONSOR:

Hamilton

 

DATE TYPED:

2/21/03

 

HB

HM 18

 

SHORT TITLE:

Study State Park Division Fee Schedule

 

SB

 

 

 

ANALYST:

Maloy

 

APPROPRIATION

 

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY03

FY04

FY03

FY04

 

 

 

 

 

NFI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

 

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

 

Responses Received From

Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, State Parks Division

 

SUMMARY

 

     Synopsis of Bill

 

House Memorial 18 requests the State Parks Division of the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to study the current Division fee schedule and park revenues to determine a fair and reasonable fee schedule and to make recommendations concerning the fee schedule. 

 

A report of the findings of this study is due to the legislative finance committee and the interim legislative water and natural resources committee by September 1, 2003.

 

Significant Issues

 

·       The State Park Division generates 60% of its budget from self-generated revenue, including fees.  Thus, fees are a critical issue to the Division.  In recent years fee revenues have been significantly impacted by a variety of natural forces as well as changes to the fee schedule.  The Division is always interested in new information and better approaches to improving its fee programs.   


This study directs the Division to assess its fee schedule to best meet the demands of the visiting public.  Updating the fee schedule will ensure that fees are fair, reasonable and not excessive as well as ensuring the parks are as self supporting as possible as required in NMSA 1978, Section 16-2-7.

 

·       The existing fee schedule may not be fair to all users.  Some of the options such as the annual camping pass exclude certain sectors of the public.  The current fee schedule allows only New Mexico senior citizens and disabled veterans to purchase an annual camping pass.  This study will be an important opportunity to proactively re-evaluate the Divisions fee schedule and to report to the legislature and involve the legislature in the fee decision process. 

 

·       As part of the review, the Division will need to study the admission and camping user fees in addition to other existing and potential revenue sources.

 

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

 

No funds are provided to complete this study.  The Division, however, considers this study beneficial and worthwhile, and is willing to absorb the cost within the Division operating budget.

 

Depending on the results of the study and the potential implementation of a new fee schedules the Division will have costs to reprint brochures as well as update signs in the parks.  These costs cannot be determined at this time.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

 

Conducting this study will take staff resources to research, gather and prepare a final report.  If the study results determine a need to change the fee schedule, a public hearing will be required which will have administrative impact in addition to filing rules.

 

SJM/njw