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Council approves FY2026 fee schedule but strips proposed Chapter 147 inspection increases
Summary
Saco City Council approved the FY2026 fee schedule but voted unanimously to remove proposed fee increases tied to Chapter 147 rental/code inspections after questions about implementation and inspection costs from councilors and staff.
The Saco City Council on May 12 approved the city’s fiscal year 2026 fee schedule but unanimously removed proposed increases tied to Chapter 147 rental/code inspections, saying the inspection program needs further review before fees rise.
Councilor Edwards presented the fee‑setting authority and moved to approve the amended schedule. Councilor Johnston offered a presubmitted amendment to "strike the increases in fees associated with chapter 147," citing the code’s 2017 adoption and a lack of full implementation and public notice. Johnston said the increases "are relatively small" but expressed concern about how landlords and tenants would react and urged a workshop before any full roll‑out.
Councilors asked staff for data on inspection costs and frequency. Director Toomey told the council the proposed fees were modeled on existing seasonal rental inspection charges and said, "we're just keeping all the same for it's a similar type of inspection... I have no objection to not increasing the fees for this." After discussion, the amendment to remove Chapter 147 fee increases passed 7-0. The main motion to adopt the fee schedule with that amendment then passed 7-0.
Speakers who participated in the fee discussion included Councilor Edwards (Councilor), Councilor Johnston (Councilor), Councilor Berman (Councilor), Director Toomey (city staff), and Mayor Jody MacPhail (Mayor).
Ending: Councilors directed staff to provide further program details and implementation plans before proposing any future fee increases associated with Chapter 147.
