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.