The Haverhill City Council Tuesday will consider a series of fee increases for, among other things, building construction and the city’s composting program.
Under a proposed schedule for the Health and Inspection Services department, various fee hikes for building permit applications would hike rates from $25 to $50 for the first $2,000 of construction value, along with a $1 increase to $14 per additional $1,000 in value. It would also add a $13 fee per thousand dollars valuation for commercial building applications. New electrical-related fees would include $75 for in-ground swimming pools, and $50 basic fees plus $1 per commercial smoke detectors and building security alarms.
“The proposed increases reflect comparisons with other cities and towns,” Inspectional Services Director Richard MacDonald said. “Please keep in mind, there have been no increases in fees (except health permits/licenses) for approximately 10 years. While costs continue to increase we have not requested increases for many years.”
Also on the agenda, the city is asking the council to approve hikes in daily and seasonal permits to dump yard waste, including grass, leaves and brush, at the public works yard on Primrose Street. The cost of a daily permit for Haverhill residents would rise from $7 to $9 while season pass fees would go from $35 to $45. A senior citizen discount rate for the season pass would increase from $25 to $30. Commercial and non-resident permits would climb from $35 to $44.
Councilors previously agreed to hikes in water and sewer fees.
One anticipated item, the mayor’s recent appointment of Purchasing Agent and Energy Manager Orlando Pacheco to the added role of city hall maintenance director, is not included on Tuesday’s agenda. Mayor James J. Fiorentini told councilors in a recent memo the matter “will go to the city council next week.” However, a suspension of the rules could take place should the council decide to discuss the appointment.
The city council meets at 7 p.m., Tuesday, in council chambers at Haverhill City Hall.
“While costs continue to increase…”
The standard line coming from government hacks with absolutely no supporting information to validate it.
All the ‘costs’ to fund personnel and associated costs related to these services have already been budgeted in the DPW yearly budget. This is nothing more than double taxation on the part of the city!!!!
This is outrageous!!! Running government has NOTHING to do with what other cities and towns charge. If that’s the benchmark then lets reduce rates because it’s guaranteed that Haverhill does NOT have the lowest fees going.