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Council narrows open‑burning permit fees, allows limited waivers for local nonprofits
Summary
The council amended the city code to permit fee waivers for local 501(c)(3) organizations up to four times per calendar year; the measure passed 5–1 after debate about potential incentives for more frequent burning.
The Georgetown City Council voted 5–1 to amend Section 16‑1(b) of the city's code to allow waivers of open‑fire permit fees for local 501(c)(3) organizations up to four times per calendar year.
The clerk read the ordinance amendment on second reading. Councilmember Tingle Sames moved the amendment and Councilmember Leslie Mitchell seconded. During discussion one councilmember expressed concern that a four‑permit waiver could incentivize more frequent open burning and increase staff time to manage and monitor permitted burns; that member said he "respectfully will not be in support of that." The roll call vote recorded Mister Minky as the lone 'No' and the motion passed 5–1.
The ordinance as read retains standard severability language and takes effect upon passage and publication. Staff noted that public works already offers pickup and mulching services for certain materials and that recorded permit usage historically had been low.
The change narrows the fee impact to qualifying nonprofit groups and preserves the city's authority to manage open burning through permits.
