Butler Council Debates Increasing Licensing Fees

The last time the increased its dog licensing fees was 1997, according to Borough Clerk Mary O'Keefe.

O'Keefe asked the Butler Council on Sept. 6 if it would consider increasing the fee by $2.80, bringing it to $10-still less than many nearby municipalities, she said. O'Keefe would also like to install a late fee of $5 for those who do not have their dog licensed by the March 1 deadline.

"People would have a full, two-month period before a late fee," she said.

Additionally, O'Keefe asked the council to consider increasing alcoholic beverage licensing fees by 20 percent. As with the dog licensing fee, O'Keefe said she began exploring raising the borough's licensing fees after reviewing the fees of other local municipalities and trying to come up with a way the borough can increase revenue.

"I think we do have to keep up with the times a little bit here too," said Mayor Robert Alviene.

While the fees would not take effect until July 2012, Councilman Stephen Regis said he thinks a 20 percent increase may be a lot to ask of a business owner.

"I just think 20 percent is a high increase," he said.

Currently, there are eight businesses the license fee increase would affect.

Borough Administrator James Lampmann said the borough does have the option of phasing in the increase over a five-year period. Regis recommended the council and O'Keefe continue to look into the issue, as "businesses are struggling" and the council should keep that in consideration.

Councilman Ed Vath praised O'Keefe and said "I think it's a good initiative, definitely worth pursuing."