Revenue Enhancement/Infrastructure Financing Strategies Local governments face increasing demands for services and facilities despite reduced state and federal revenues and a reluctance for tax increases. TischlerBise evaluates alternative revenue sources and financing mechanisms in the context of appropriately allocating public costs. Such analyses ensure complete understanding and provide a level base from which stakeholders can begin discussing options. TischlerBise can assist jurisdictions faced with revenue shortfalls. Devising revenue strategies is a natural extension of preparing both fiscal impact analyses and impact fees. Steps in devising revenue strategies include:

• Evaluation of Current Revenue Sources
  We will analyze current sources of revenues and existing tax rates in the jurisdiction.


• Revenue Comparison
  We will evaluate revenue sources in comparable communities (usually within the same state and region).


• Expense Levels
  While it is usually more popular to focus on revenues, various limitations may exist including ceilings and taxpayer resistance. TischlerBise will also analyze operating and capital expenditures within a jurisdiction.


• Level of Service Changes
  In evaluating revenue strategies, consideration should be given to current levels of service and how they could be changed to reduce costs and lessen the need for increased revenues. TischlerBise has evaluated levels of service in many communities.


• Suggested Revenue Strategies
  TischlerBise prioritizes the various steps the community could implement to achieve its objectives. These could include raising existing rates, implementing new fees, expanding the base for certain revenues, decreasing costs, and/or changing levels of service. A rationale would be provided for each of the recommendations.

Recent Studies TischlerBise has assisted a number of communities in revenue strategies.

• In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the firm evaluated the revenues lost and expenses incurred in providing services to tax exempt State activities.
  
  
• In Prince William County, Virginia, one of the firm's products was a memo regarding revenue alternatives to ameliorate negative fiscal impacts under different growth alternatives.
  
  
• In Peoria, Arizona, the firm recommended various courses of action involving both staging and revenue rates for annexation of a development.
  
  
• In Beaufort County, South Carolina, TischlerBise developed three possible funding scenarios to solve for a $357 million infrastructure funding gap in the southern part of the County.