NORWICH – All existing permit fees - except those for commercial properties - could increase by 20 percent this fall and 5 percent annually if Chenango County supervisors elect to follow a recommendation made by the Public Health Department last week.
Fees for commercial properties would see only a nickel increase from the current 25 cent per square foot rate.
Public Health Director Marc Flindt and Bruce Bates, code enforcement officer, were asked to investigate whether raising fees would help offset a more than $100,000 loss projected for the department this year. Fees were last raised in 2000 and again in 2004.
Chenango County’s code rates are in the middle range when compared to Otsego County and nine other surrounding municipalities, according to a recent report. Fees for single wide manufactured homes, one of the largest number of permits sold in Chenango County, are $100. The cost is $60 in Otsego County and as high as $250 in the Town of Oneonta.
A 1,500 square foot stick built home permit is $200 in Chenango County compared to $100 in the Town of New Berlin and $375 in the Town of Dryden. Commercial project fee costs are 25 cents per square foot in Chenango County versus 17 cents in Otsego County.
Safety and Rules Committee Chairman Alton Doyle, R-Guilford, asked Bates whether raising the fees from October to December would generate enough revenue to cover the projected loss this year. Even with the department’s staffing levels back up - as approved in committee in June - Bates estimated only $6,000 to $7,000 would be raised, not enough to cover a potential $100,000 deficit.
The lack of big box retailers’ fees this year and previously unfilled positions put a strain on the department’s budget this year. Bates said it has been difficult to keep up building and fire inspections in addition to mounting calls for enforcement.