Lakeville Board of Health approves increases to perk-test, tobacco and camp fees

The Lakeville Board of Health opened a public hearing May 7 and voted to adopt increases to three fee categories after hearing staff summaries and no public comment.

Board members said the increases address higher costs and local changes in use. The adopted changes set percolation (perk) test fees at $150 for repairs and $300 for a new septic system; raise tobacco inspection fees from $30 to $75; and raise camp permits from $10 to $150, reflecting the growth of larger and for-profit summer camps in town.

The board held a legally posted public hearing at 6 p.m. at the Lakeville Police Station, with the hearing notice stating proposed fee changes were available on the Town of Lakeville website or at the Board of Health office. Board members summarized that the town’s agent had compared Lakeville fees with neighboring communities and found some local fees were lower while costs had increased, prompting the proposed changes.

Board discussion focused on the rationale rather than contested details: members said the previous $10 camp permit was set when camps were small and largely local, but now many out-of-town, for-profit camps require more staff time to permit and inspect. For perk tests, the board separated pricing for repairs versus new systems to reflect different time and resource needs.

After the hearing summary, a motion to adopt the stated fee changes was made and approved by voice vote. The board then closed the hearing and continued with the regular meeting.

The adopted fee schedule, as stated at the hearing, is limited to the three categories discussed; board members said no existing fees were removed at this time. Implementation details such as effective date and administrative posting were not specified during the hearing.