Ross Twp. discusses updating fees, zoning permits

Ross Township’s supervisors will be reviewing and updating their list of fees and zoning permits.

Vice Chairman Tina Drake reviewed the rates and was surprised to find that the township’s permit budget for the past year — around $24,000 total — fell well below actual costs.

The township’s rates are $50 for residential building permits, $20 for residential zoning permits and $100 for commercial building permits.

“When I look at all this, I see that we’re not even making enough to cover his salary,” Drake said, referring to zoning codes enforcement officer Paul Jarrett.

Solicitor Tim McManus said that the fee schedule was set up to alleviate administrative and processing costs.

The current fee schedule just went into effect over the previous year, Chairman Howard Beers Jr. said, to simplify the previous system based on percentages for projects.

“It was very complicated, because if you got this thing, it was this percentage, and this was that percentage. I think we should just do 10 percent down the line,” Beers said.

While the previous setup was able to meet the budget requirements for zoning and building permits and compensate Jarrett for his services, Drake said the fees were far too high.

Drake said Chestnuthill Township uses a percentage-based system, though the fees were actually higher than what Ross had taken in previously.

“With these other municipalities, it’s really complex, too. I think if we could come up with something simple, that would be a good change,” Supervisor David Shay said.

Drake and Shay will work together on a revised fee schedule for next month’s meeting, with a focus on increasing revenue while not placing an undue burden on township residents.

In other business, the board decided to establish rental agreements for the pavilion in the township park.

Over the past few months, the supervisors debated the merits of allowing residents to rent the pavilion for special events, after receiving a request to use the structure for a wedding.

In a 2-1 vote, the board approved a motion to allow pavilion rentals. Rates and terms will be established.

• The board approved a motion to take out a quarter page advertisement in the “Deputy Phil” program activity book distributed to local schools.

• The board rejected participating in the “Pick Up the Poconos” event, as the effort was geared to tourist areas and regions not associated with the township.