Board approves lower flat late fee structure for annual food permits; change requires commissioners' sign-off

LaPorte County environmental health staff and board members debated the countyfood-permit late-fee structure Oct. 21 and approved a less punitive flat-fee schedule for the coming permitting year, subject to county commissioners' final approval.

Background: Staff explained the existing ordinance applies a 50% per-day compounding late fee for annual food permits that can escalate—for a Class D permit example—from $325 to $1,300 in one week. Environmental health supervisor Miss Wozniak said online permit payments and earlier notice efforts have reduced administrative burden, but the compounding model still produces punitive totals.

Discussion and motion: Board members argued both that daily compounding encourages prompt payment and that the existing schedule is excessive and harms small businesses for an oversight. Miss Wozniak explained the difference between "mobile" permits and "temporary" permits: "Just because they're in a a truck or a trailer doesn't mean they have a mobile permit that they can operate year round. If they come into the county, they have to be a temporary permit." The department reported 138 temporary inspections related to fair activity and 87 temporary food-vendor requests in September.

Vote and implementation: The board moved to adopt a flat $100 late fee on the first day a permit is late and an additional $100 penalty at day six; day seven would trigger closure until fees are paid. The motion passed by voice vote with one "nay." Staff said the change would apply to the coming permitting year but must be approved by the county commissioners before it takes effect.

Sources: Environmental Health Supervisor Miss Wozniak and staff discussion at the Oct. 21 meeting.