Clayton to revise fees-and-charges schedule; public hearing set for the 15th

Town staff provided an overview of a comprehensive update to the fees-and-charges schedule that will be before the council at the meeting on the 15th. Todd (presenter) said the update consolidates an extensive prior fee sheet, adds nonresident rates for new park facilities, includes fire inspection fees required by the North Carolina Fire Protection Code and clarifies application and permit fee language.

Staff said the changes also add or update technology-related fees, including credit-card and eCheck charges to recover electronic payment costs, and a fee for repeat code-enforcement notices when property owners are re-noticed within a 12‑month period. Todd told the council the intent is to make the fee schedule easier to read and to include a comparison column for the annual budget review process.

Heidi confirmed that the statutorily required public notice has been published and staff built a searchable online table for the public to query the comprehensive fee list. Staff advised council that some fees are statutorily required to be publicly noticed and that attendees should expect the formal public hearing at the council meeting on the 15th. Staff committed to delivering a formatted list to council well ahead of the hearing so members can review changes in advance.