Lakeville Board of Health moves to post proposed fee increases and schedules public hearing in May

The Town of Lakeville Board of Health agreed to post proposed updates to its schedule of fees and to hold a public hearing in May after discussing three fee areas the staff identified as out of line with neighboring towns.

Staff told the board that fees have not been updated in roughly a decade and that three categories were substantially below comparable regional rates: camp permits, tobacco inspection/permitting, and new-construction percolation (perc) tests. The board reviewed staff recommendations and agreed in principle on the changes, subject to the formal public-notice process required for fee-setting.

Key proposed changes discussed at the meeting: - Camp permits (previously $10): staff proposed $150 per camp to reflect inspection, paperwork and state regulatory compliance. - Tobacco permit/inspection (previously $30): staff proposed $75 to cover annual permit processing and mandated compliance checks. - Perc test fees: staff proposed keeping repair perc fees at the current level but establishing a higher fee for new-construction perc tests (new construction requires more time and multiple test pits).

Board members asked staff to post the proposed fee schedule on the town website and in the local newspaper and to schedule a public hearing in May. The board agreed to hold an interim meeting on April 16 to collect any early public comments before the formal hearing. A member noted the board can consider waivers for local nonprofit or town-run camps on a case-by-case basis.

No final fee changes were adopted at the April 2 meeting; the board took formal action only to proceed with posting, internal review and scheduling the public hearing.