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HB |
HM 18 |
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Maloy |
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FY03 |
FY04 |
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NFI |
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(Parenthesis
( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)
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
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
·
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