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Central Point fee hikes approved By BUFFY POLLOCK CENTRAL POINT - Planning, building and business license fees will increase July 1 as part of a $12 million budget for 2001-2002 adopted by the City Council. City staff said the fees were necessary to cover services that weren't paying for themselves. "We'll still just barely be covering our costs," said planning technician Matt Samitore. Most fee increases in the planning department were for items that require reviews by the planning commission or appeals to the City Council, he said. Increases to building fees reflect "the cost of doing business," said building official Lois DeBenedetti. As for business license fees, Finance Director Bill Brugger said the increases will help cover costs and perhaps provide an upgrade to the department's computer program. "I think we're running one of the few DOS-based programs that survived Y2K," he joked. The city's budget increased overall by $3 million from the last fiscal year, with $2.5 million going toward capital improvements such as paving streets, upgrading the water system and installing sidewalks. "For a city of this size, it's a rather large amount, but the city had really fallen behind doing necessary street work," Brugger said. The improvements include: $1.5 million for water system improvements, up from $240,000 last year. Replacement of a box culvert at the Scenic Avenue Bridge, $520,000. Installation of sidewalks and pathways, $360,000, up from $75,000 last year. Street paving and repairs, $800,000, up from $550,000 last year. Storm drain improvements, $100,000, up from $25,000 last year. Brugger said paying for improvement was more "cost-wise" than "spending in hindsight." "We're trying to stay ahead," he said. "If you don't spend the money on improvements now, a dollar and a half you don't want to spend this year turns into three or four down the road." Though the budget increased in some places, Brugger said the city would save money in others. Repaying a $970,000 loan incurred during construction of the city water reservoir is one example. "In the first year alone, that will save the city about $90,000," Brugger said. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.