Council adopts broad fee increases across licensing, food and public-health chapters

Paterson City Council adopted Ordinance 25-015 on second reading, amending fee provisions across several municipal code chapters that govern animal licensing, food establishments and vending, outdoor cafes, lead-based paint, slaughterhouses, solid waste, tattooing and related business licenses.

The ordinance, read into the record by the clerk, lists numerous code chapters to be updated and was presented as a finance item intended to update long-unchanged fees. Supporters said some fees had not been adjusted for decades and that printing, inspection and administrative costs have increased.

Several council members voiced concern about the impact on small businesses. Councilman Velez argued the increases — in some cases a 150% rise — would burden local small-business owners who already face irregular municipal services such as delayed garbage collection; he voted against the ordinance. Councilman Uddin noted the fee increases are intended to support revenue but urged caution about passing costs on to residents.

After public hearings were opened and closed, the council conducted a roll call. The clerk recorded 5 votes in favor and 4 against during the final tally; the second-reading ordinance was adopted. Council members requested that the administration monitor small-business impacts and report back if fees produce undue hardship.

The ordinance is finance-related (Ordinance 25-015) and amends fees in multiple chapters of the Paterson code; specifics and effective dates are in the ordinance text filed with the clerk.