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Resident urges town review after unexpected $25 repair permit
Summary
David Bickman told the Select Board he was charged a $25 fee for minor home repairs last year but could not find an ordinance authorizing it; board asked staff to search records, check with the issuing inspector and consider removing or documenting the fee on a published schedule.
David Bickman, a resident who identified himself at the meeting, told the Select Board he discovered a $25 charge tied to work he did on his house last year and said neither he nor town staff can find an ordinance that authorizes the fee. “I didn't know about this permit,” Bickman said, describing having done minor roofing, window and siding repairs and later being told by the building inspector that a permit was required.
Bickman said he filed a right‑to‑know request and consulted town staff; he said the building inspector, the town clerk and other staff members also could not locate an authorizing ordinance for the charge. He told the board the fee was a “real pain” to residents and asked that the board investigate whether the charge had been properly authorized and, if not, consider eliminating it.
Board members asked staff to check with the inspector who issued the notice and to search past minutes and records. The chair said fees must be listed on an official fee schedule and urged staff to confirm where the charge originated and whether it is rooted in the town’s ordinance. The board directed staff to report back after reviewing records and the inspector’s rationale.
The meeting proceeded to other agenda items after the board closed public input.
