All of the user-fee increases approved Tuesday by Cape Girardeau voters technically are in effect, but city department heads are awaiting word from city administrator Michael Miller and city attorney Eric Cunningham on when to implement them.

Cunningham said Wednesday the ordinances in which the fee increases were proposed said the increases would be effective immediately upon voter approval. Voters Tuesday approved 11 of 12 fee increase proposals on the ballot.

The only one that failed would have increased adult admission into the Haunted Hall of Horrors.

Dan Muser, director of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, said he wasn't sure if the City Council had to certify the election results before the increases could go into effect. The council will meet at noon today to canvass the results and swear in the two new City Council members: Frank Stoffregen of Ward 1 and Jay Purcell of Ward 3.

At the Cape Girardeau Police Department, the higher pet licensing fees and the increased security guard licensing fee are in effect, said Lt. Dale Ratliff.

Miller suggested residents call the appropriate city departments to find out when the increases are effective. He said the higher fees will be charged very soon.

The city won't implement the expanded hotel-motel-restaurant tax immediately, Miller said. "We want to have some time to get out and do some work with the convenience store people and the grocery store people to make it clear what is and what isn't supposed to be taxed," he said.

The measure approved Tuesday makes convenience stores, supermarkets, concession areas at large retail stores and some caterers liable for collecting the 1 percent restaurant tax on prepared foods such as pre-made sandwiches. The City Council will set the effective date for the expanded tax in an ordinance after city staff meets with business owners, Miller said.