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Commission removes automatic 3% annual fee increase from building-permit resolution
Summary
Suwannee County commissioners adopted a resolution updating permit fees but struck a clause that would have allowed the building-department head to raise fees up to 3% per year with only notice to the commission; board asked for annual review of fees during the budget process.
The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners considered a resolution authorizing changes to building, zoning and related permit fees on Oct. 21 and amended the draft to remove language that would have allowed the head of the building department to raise fees up to 3% per year with notice to the board.
Staff and the building department (represented in discussion by Mr. Meeks) explained the original language would have authorized staff to implement modest annual fee changes to align with costs. Commissioners expressed concern that an automatic delegation of authority could result in fee increases during lean economic periods without the board's oversight. Commissioner Perkins suggested fee changes be brought to the board as an agenda item during the annual budget process so commissioners could review the county's fiscal position before any change.
County Attorney Morrison proposed a motion to adopt the resolution as published but striking the paragraph that granted the 3% automatic authority and renumbering the following paragraph. The board approved the motion by voice vote, 5-0.
After the vote Mr. Meeks said staff would evaluate fee updates during the budget process and present proposed adjustments to the board at that time.
