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Fees for restaurant inspections and other food-service requirements would rise notably if the Stamford Board of Representatives approves increases proposed by the city's Dept. of Health and Social Services. For some smaller establishments, the increase would be three times to more than 10 times what they currently pay. Fee hikes are needed because of the department's increased costs, according to its director, Anne Fountain.
Hardest hit would be food-service providers with seating capacities of up to 15 persons. The inspection fee would jump from $21 to $300 for the three city establishments affected. This group of businesses does not include Stamford's 213 takeout eateries, whose current fee is $210. That, too, would increase to $300. Caterers and vending trucks would also be affected.
But Fountain said fees haven't been increased in the past decade. Current rates have been in effect since June 5, 2000. Since then, the department's services and the costs to render them have increased, she said. Also, she said, higher fees would put Stamford on par with surrounding municipalities.
The Board of Representatives has put the issue on hold. Fountain is working with board members to produce a schedule of incremental increases that would make the impact less drastic.
"We're now looking at maybe a different way" to implement at least some of the new fees, Fountain said. Although the changes were slated to take effect Jan. 1, time is now available to make adjustments. "We can't implement the changes until next year. We've already sent invoices for this year," Fountain said.
Higher fees would generate about $98,000 in additional revenue.
Are you a food-service business owner whose fees for inspections are likely to rise? Are you in a category that would see huge hikes? What do you think of the proposed increases? Let us know what you think below or email Felicia at fhunter@mainstreetconnect.us.
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