Approve an ordinance amending Exhibit A of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City of Austin Fees, Fines, and other Charges Ordinance (Ordinance No. 20250813-004) to amend the fees for food establishment permits. Funding: The item is projected to increase unrealized revenue by $1,972,600 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

The City Council is considering an ordinance to amend the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 City of Austin Fees, Fines, and other Charges Ordinance (Ordinance No. 20250813-004). This amendment will change the fee structure for food establishment permits, moving to a risk-based calculation method with nine tiers (e.g., Low Risk/Small at $404.00, High Risk/Large at $927.00). This change is projected to increase unrealized revenue by $1,972,600 for FY 2025-2026 and is intended to protect public safety and maintain adequate food safety staffing levels. The new fees will require registration with the Texas Department of State Health Services and a 60-day waiting period before implementation.

Food establishments will face new, risk-based permit fees that could increase their operating costs, with the projected revenue increase of $1,972,600 intended to support public health services.

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