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Council discusses cemetery fee increases and new community development fees; public hearings set for May
Summary
Staff presented proposed cemetery and community development fee increases and new permit fees (sign permits, right‑of‑way) and council agreed to hold public hearings in May before adopting changes; staff will provide revenue and cost analyses ahead of those hearings.
Council members on March 11 reviewed proposals to raise cemetery rates and to add or update community development fees for plan review, sign permits and right‑of‑way/fiber installations. Staff and the mayor explained state law requires a public hearing before adopting new or increased fees, so the council will discuss the proposals now and hold hearings in May.
Carolyn presented comparable surveys showing the town’s current cemetery rates are lower than peer cities; council members agreed the rates are low and supported moving toward increases. Staff suggested establishing a perpetual care fund to set aside excess revenue for long‑term cemetery repairs; the council asked staff to provide cost estimates for a veterans memorial and signage. Council noted the cemetery account balance discussed in the meeting: "$22,312," and that there are 48 veterans buried in town grounds.
On planning fees, staff (Shila and Charlotte) outlined new and revised fees for application review, building valuation‑based charges and third‑party review estimates. Council asked that the fee schedule provide clearer estimates for third‑party review (for floodplain, town engineer or specialized reviews) so developers can plan. Staff and council agreed to advertise hearings in May; adoption of new fees will be timed to coincide with the new fiscal year if the council chooses.
The council requested additional cost and revenue history so members can evaluate whether fee changes will cover long‑term program costs, including whether enhanced fees could cover part or all of a new full‑time planner position over time.
