No More Fees For Free

Selectmen vote to establish several new fees for work done by their clerk on licenses and permits

By Mark E. Vogler

For years, the town has charged a mere $100 fee for the paperwork involved in preparing an application for a Special Permit (S-2). That was a bargain for the applicants, as the Clerk for the Board of Selectmen would spend an estimated nine to 15 hours working on applications for S-2 permits. Selectmen voted unanimously at Tuesday night’s (July 14) meeting to double the fee to $200.

The town had previously never charged a fee for the transfer of a liquor license – a task that could take 22 to 30 hours to complete. Selectmen voted to establish a new $350 fee for that transaction instead of doing it for free. Selectmen also voted to amend the Licensing Fee Schedule by establishing an application and a $100 fee for Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB).

Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta noted that July 15, 2003 – 23 years ago – was the last time that Saugus adjusted its fees.