North Battleford city council is ushering in 2011 with a number of proposed fee increases.
First and second reading was given Monday to the fee increases, proposed by administration in order to replace what were considered "outdated" rates in place for several years. The new fees cover a wide range of areas including tax certificates, tax searches and property assessments, building permits and business license fees.
The increases were originally put forward Dec. 13.
Three new bylaws were introduced Monday to repeal and replace the bylaws already in place governing the old fee structure. While all three were able to pass the first two readings, Councillor Trent Houk cast the lone vote against, blocking the unanimous consent needed to proceed to third reading. Houk said the public was not yet well enough informed about the proposed increases.
The bylaws will return to council for third reading and passage, likely at the next council meeting. The new fees come into effect once the bylaws are passed.
The first bylaw introduced Monday night established fees for tax certificates, tax searches, property assessment sheets and NSF charges. Tax certificate fees are to go from $20 to $25 and the NSF charges would go from $10 to $20.
A new bylaw establishing new business permit and business license fees was introduced Monday night as well.
Building permit fees would be set at $5 per $1,000 of construction value up to $100,000 and $4.50 per $1,000 of construction value over $,1000. The minimum permit fee is to be set a $60. The fee for proceeding without a building permit is being doubled.
The third new bylaw, establishes new rates for business licenses, which will see a five per cent increase,
