Which statement is true about whether both the Building Security Fee and the Technology Fee require ordinances?

• A. Both fees require ordinances to be established.
• B. Only the Building Security Fee requires an ordinance.
• C. Only the Technology Fee requires an ordinance.
• D. Neither fee requires an ordinance.

Answer: (B)

Understanding how local governments authorize fees helps. Ordinances are formal laws that codify new charges and become part of the municipal code, making them harder to modify. Resolutions, by contrast, are lighter actions that set or adjust fees within the existing framework without changing the code.

The Building Security Fee is a charge tied to regulatory or safety measures and is typically codified in the municipal code. Because it creates a lasting, codified obligation, it requires an ordinance to establish it.

The Technology Fee is a service fee for IT resources and is often authorized by council resolution or included in the annual budget and fee schedule. This approach allows for adjustments without amending the code, so it does not require a separate ordinance.

So, the statement that only the Building Security Fee requires an ordinance is the best choice.