In order to balance the department's budget the Fish and Game Commission then had to cut programs until fees were increased. This cycle of ups and downs is inefficient and costly. During the down cycles, needed programs are cut or eliminated, needed repairs are delayed and well-trained employees leave. The net result is costly to everyone. The sportsmen end up having to repay program startup costs.
Minor maintenance ends up being major repair or replacement expenditures.
New employees have to be trained with all the inherent costs in learning their jobs. This bill specifies that the Division of Financial Management will develop a cost index based on the department's actual costs of doing business. The commission will submit to the legislature a report of fee changes by the seventh legislative day. The legislature may then accept, reject or modify the report. Any fee changes would be effective on May 1 of each year.