Some Permit Fees In Milford Increasing

MILFORD, CT — The Milford Board of Aldermen voted 7 to 4 along party lines to approve changing the amount for some permitting fees in the city. Some fees were increased while some decreased and some even eliminated.

During the December meeting, Mayor Ben Blake thanked the Board for their consideration of the ordinance. He stated this ordinance was presented by the Joseph Griffith, DPLU Director who was present to answer questions. Blake stated that the permitting fees have not been adjusted since 2002 and it is appropriate for the fees to be reviewed periodically.

Blake stated that he is proud of the changes in the Building Department which previously had a bad reputation. He stated that Griffith has done a great job on turning that around and the Milford is now recognized as one of the best places to build.

Blake further stated that the past 18 years were reviewed and as well as fees from surrounding
municipalities. He states some fees increased, some decrease and some were eliminated.

Alderman Sutton stated he reviewed the material provided and it appears that from 2002 to present fees for 1 to 2 family residential and commercial was $15 for first $1 ,000 increasing to $20; residential 1 to 2 family $12 to $15 for each additional $1 ,000 and commercial 1 to 2 family $12 to $18 for each additional $1 ,ooo.

Sutton also commented that outdoor assembly is remaining the same. He further stated that information had been provided showing other communities and Milford would still be one of the lowest. Griffith stated that is correct. Ald. Frank Smith stated there had been adverse comments at the Ordinance Committee stating the fees are in essence a tax increase. He stated that fiscal strength is dependent on making good decision such as this and that some fees are increasing
and some are decreasing.

Ald. Smith stated that the fees help to offset costs of the Permitting Department and avoid tax increases. He further stated that Milford has become a popular destination for builders. Ald. Smith stated he was grateful thatGriffith took the time to do research.

Ald. Win Smith asked that without the fee increase were there service the department could not provide. Griffith stated the level of service would continue with or without a fee increase. Ald. Gaynor asked where the fees collected go. Griffith stated the fees go to the General Fund. Ald. Anthony Giannattasio asked for a total of fees collected last year.

Griffith stated the fees collected were approximately $1 .2 million. Giannattasio asked what the expectation of fees collected with the increases. Griffith stated approximately $200,000 additional. Giannattasio asked if a portion of the fees come from contractors. Griffith stated a major portion of the permits are commercial.

Ald. Ray Vitali asked if there is a correlation between lower fees and more permits. Griffith did not believe that to be so. Vitali asked how many out of town, in town and private homeowners apply for permit. Griffith stated approximately 80 percent are residential.

Vitali asked if fee increase would be a deter people from building. Griffith stated he did not think so. Giannattasio state he spoke with local contractors who are happy to see the re-inspection fee
eliminated

Opposition to the fee increase from some residents

Raymond Kirmaier stated he is against the change in fees. He further stated this is not a fee assessed to the contractors, but a fee that is passed on to the end user.

Winthrop Smith stated he was against the proposed fee increase. He further stated a fee increase in essence is a tax increase. Smith stated the proposed ordinance raises revenue and he does not consider it a fee adjustment. He further stated he feels this is bad policy and urge the committed to vote against the ordinance.

Walter Hagedorn stated he is against the proposed fee increase. He further stated he the fees should not be increased just because other towns have higher fees.