The Price is Right: Setting User Charges and Fees for Government Services

State and local governments, utilities, and stand-alone business-type organizations use charges and fees to help fund services (both external and internal), and well-designed charges and fees can reduce the need for additional revenue sources and promote service efficiency. However, for many organizations, setting user fees and charges can be difficult. This session will explore the important elements to consider during the charge and fee setting process for all organizations including organizational politics, community preferences, cost recovery, and fairness. The session will also highlight from GFOA's rethinking revenue research on segmented pricing and use of imposed fees.