Supervisor Frank Quinn said raising the town’s service fees for the first time in four years is simply a sign of the times.
With everything from the price of milk to the price of gas on the rise, the town felt it was the financially correct move to make, he said. Residents will see increases in everything from sidewalk cleanup to increases for building permits.
The vote was 4-to-0, with Chris Koetzle absent from the table as he recovers from treatment for a stroke he suffered in fall. Town Administrator Tony Germano said the board had good reason to raise fees, which are still fair compared to surrounding communities.
After looking at what other communities are asking from residents, our fees still look good and are fair. We are not the lowest, but we are certainly far from the highest, said Germano.
Quinn said that the board had planned to raise the fees during budget discussions and said that, assuming business remains about the same as 2007, Town Hall should see about an increase of $30,000 to $35,000. Quinn said the additional revenue will help offset increases that the town faces from places like the county and state.
The biggest anticipated boosts will come from residential building construction fees, where residents will pay $2.50 per $1,000, an increase of 30 cents. Anyone in town needing a new water meter will be asked to pay $200 instead of $180, and the septic disposal system repair fee will increase to between $50 and $100.
If your dog is picked up, you will now pay $50. Other increases include small business permits for things like daycare, massage businesses, garbage services, vehicle impoundment, and water fees, which will increase from $180 to $200. Vendors can also expect to pay between $100 and $150.
For information on the increases, call the Town Municipal Center at 688-1200.
The board also announced a position is available on the Glenville Ethics Committee for the term ending Dec. 31.
This committee is a five-member group that meets on an `as needed` basis and consists of one town-appointed member and four town residents. People interested in serving on this committee can contact James MacFarland, Human Services Director, at 688-1221 for more information. Chris Koetzle currently serves as the board liaison to the group.“