Peekskill staff outline proposed fee schedule and 3% water/sewer rate rise

Comptroller Tony Tracy reviewed the city's proposed consolidated fee schedule and highlighted that most fees are intended to cover the city's direct costs. He said some items were left unchanged — senior parking permits and pool fees among them — while others (notably planning escrow fees and some planning department charges) increased to reflect higher consultant and contractor costs.

"These are costs that are identified with actual costs spent by professionals brought in on their behalf," Tracy said, explaining that unspent escrow funds are refunded to applicants but that consultants and attorney fees have risen. He reported a 3% increase to water and sewer rates proposed for 2025.

Council members asked for clarification on several line items: a Parks & Recreation entry labeled "basketball courts per game" (listed at $98), tree removal fees (city listed at $110 for the first tree versus peer municipalities showing much lower rates), and $2 per‑page fees for property record photocopies compared with $0.25 in a nearby town. Staff said they would verify the external comparisons and supply more precise descriptions and comparative tables at a follow‑up meeting.

Members also raised concerns about permit renewal charges set at 50% of the original permit fee. Staff replied the renewal amounts are part of a sliding scale tied to project cost and that the council would get additional information and comparisons before any final decision.

The council did not take final action on the fee schedule that evening; staff were asked to return with clarifications and comparative data.