Slightly higher fees for recreation programs, fire services and permits are recommended for 2015.
While most fees on the 2015 schedule remain unchanged, treasurer Cari Pupo told the Monday’s policy and priorities committee changes were necessary in some areas.
In recreation “slight increases in fees have been recommended to better reflect expenditures to run facilities and to insure they work with the town’s new recreation software,” Pupo said in the background report.
Fees affect March and summer camps, rentals of Peace Park and Old Pelham Town Hall, and specialty programs.
For fire services, the increases are tied to false alarm responses going to $410 from $375 with an additional $205 for each half-hour from $175. Similar increases are for non-resident motor vehicle fires and collisions as well as failure to comply with Ontario regulations causing an emergency response such as lack of fire alarms.
Fire Chief Bob Lymburner says the fees are charged to property owners or companies.
Pupo said the increases for fire responses follow ministry of transportation prescribed rates based on fire vehicle expenses.
The planning department increases follow a cost of living index of 2.4% for permits.
After approval by town council, the schedule of new fees will be posted on the town’s website, www.pelham.ca.
