Proctor council adopts updated fee schedule, pauses dance permits pending public safety review

The Proctor City Council on Jan. 5 adopted Resolution 01-26, an updated city fee schedule effective Jan. 1, 2026, and placed a temporary moratorium on processing or charging for public dancing and related event permits until public safety returns a recommendation.

Councilors and staff focused discussion on a $100 public dancing (street dance) permit listed in the business-licensing section of the packet. Councilor Benson raised the concern and moved to include a moratorium on those specific license items until the public safety committee evaluates the financial and staffing impacts; the motion passed by voice vote. Chief Gatis told the council he wants the community to continue events but asked for a public safety review to assess what it costs the city to provide officers, street department services and any mutual aid the city currently receives.

The moratorium means applications for street-dance permits will not be processed or charged at the $100 rate until public safety completes its review and returns a recommendation. Council members noted that the city has previously shouldered costs for officer overtime and street closures during community events and that other cities charge higher fees for similar closures and public-safety coverage.

The council adopted the broader fee schedule with the moratorium in place; councilors did not repeal the schedule but directed staff and the public safety committee to report back with a recommended permit fee and related policy changes.