Public Hearing Tonight on Proposed Health Inspection Fees

Stonington residents and business owners have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the future of the Stonington Health Department, tonight.

A public hearing on the proposed changes, which include increases in fees, takes place at 6 p.m. at Stonington High School. According to the Day, the proposed fees include a $75 increase for restaurants with up to 25 seats, a $60 increase for restaurants with 26 or more seats, and a $75 increase for salons, day care centers and pools. Other fees such as temporary licensees and for caterers and vendors would stay the same.

Last year the town considered joining the Ledge Light Health District, after the state began encouraging towns and health departments with small populations to form or join health departments that serve a larger population.

Stonington business owners, they didn’t want to lose the small town feel of the Stonington Health Department and worried about what the increases in fees would mean to their businesses. After hearing the concerns of residents and business owners the Board of Selectmen voted not to join the Ledge Light Health District, but warned businesses that some changes would have to be made.

Health inspection fees in Stonington have remained the same for the past ten years.

Do you support raising the fees?