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Payson reviews broad fee-schedule changes; airport commission urged hangar rates remain steady for now
Summary
Town manager Darren outlined a package of proposed fee changes across community development, business licensing, streets and parks; staff said the full schedule will be posted online for 60 days before a public hearing. Airport stakeholders urged caution on square-foot hangar fees while the commission completes planned improvements.
At a regular Payson Town Council meeting, Town Manager Darren presented a comprehensive proposed fee schedule update covering community development, streets, business licenses, campground fees and airport hangar charges. Staff said many changes reflect work brought in-house and are intended to speed permit review and reduce delays for contractors.
"A lot of changes, a lot of new introductions ... a lot of that is in community development," Darren said, adding that doing more work in-house should make processing faster for both small residential projects and larger developments.
Staff told the council the full fee schedule will be posted online so residents and businesses can compare existing fees to the proposed changes; after a 60-day posting period the council will hold a public hearing before adopting any changes.
The airport's hangar fees prompted extended discussion. Pilots and airport-commission members argued that charging strictly by square footage could be unfair because different hangar configurations store similar aircraft despite minor square-foot differences. An airport representative (Dennis) said the commission had chosen not to raise rates this year while improvements (including doors) are completed and emphasized the airport's goal of approaching self-sufficiency.
"When you talk about the square footage difference, it may be like, well, that's not fair," an airport representative said, describing the commission's view that hangars are functionally similar for storing GA (general aviation) aircraft. Councilmembers asked staff to provide additional detail on specific fee items and explained that staff who made the fee proposals could be invited to explain individual changes at a future meeting.
No vote was taken on the fee schedule at this meeting. Staff will post the proposed fee schedule online for at least 60 days and return with a public hearing and any recommended adjustments.
