Ashwaubenon committee recommends ordinance 01-1-25 and resolution R-1-1-25 to bill fire inspection fees to property owners

The Village of Ashwaubenon Public Works and Protection Committee recommended approval of Ordinance 01-1-25, which amends billing practices for annual fire inspections by assigning invoices to parcel property owners rather than to tenant business operators. The committee also approved Resolution R-1-1-25 adopting an updated fire-inspection fee schedule that aligns with the billing change.

Staff explained the legal background: state law normally requires two annual inspections unless a municipality adopts an ordinance reducing the requirement to one inspection per year. The village previously adopted code reducing mandatory inspections to one per year. The current ordinance change does not change fee amounts or the fee structure; it changes who receives the invoice.

Under the proposed procedure staff described, the village would send a single invoice each year to parcel property owners (for example, in April). If an invoice remains unpaid by a fixed date—staff suggested an example deadline of Oct. 15—the unpaid amount could be placed on the property tax bill for that parcel, similar to delinquent water or sewer charges. Staff said the change is intended to improve collection efficiency compared with invoicing tenants or using collections processes.

Deputy Chief Kozlowski and a staff presenter named Joel were present to answer questions. Committee members moved and seconded approval; the chair announced the motion carried.