[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Meeting of the Town of Dedham
as indicated in article histories. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted as Ch. 29 of the 1996 By-laws; amended 11-18-2013 STM by Art. 16]
A.Â
Determination of amounts of charges and fees shall take into consideration
the actual costs to the Town of the service(s) provided.
B.Â
Determination of amounts of fines and penalties shall take into consideration
the actual costs to the Town related to the situation, as well as
a balance between disincentive and excessiveness.
[Amended 11-17-2014 ATM
by Art. 18]
From time to time, adjustments to amounts of fines and penalties
may be suggested by Department Heads, Town Officials, Town Boards,
or others to the Town Manager. Upon recommendation of the Town Manager,
as required by statute, by-law or other ordinance, such adjustments
shall be presented to the Annual Town Meeting for its approval.
[Amended 11-17-2014 ATM
by Art. 18]
Other than as specifically set forth herein, any Town board
or officer empowered to issue a license, permit, certificate, or to
render a service or perform work for a person or class of persons,
may, from time to time, fix reasonable fees for all such licenses,
permits, or certificates issued pursuant to statutes or regulations
wherein the entire proceeds of the fee remain with the Town, and may
fix reasonable charges to be paid for any services rendered or work
performed by the Town or any department thereof, provided, however,
that in the case of a board or officer appointed by an elected board,
the fixing of such fee shall be subject to the review and approval
of such elected board, and in the case of any other board or officer,
the fixing of such fee shall be subject to the review and approval
of the Town Manager or the Manager’s designee. No fee shall
be imposed or increased until a public hearing is held with respect
thereto and such new or revised fee is then posted at the office of
the Town Clerk for at least two weeks prior to the effective date
thereof. All fees in effect immediately prior to the effective date
of this by-law shall continue to be applicable until revised as provided
hereunder. Fee schedules shall be posted in the office of the Town
Clerk and in the office of the officer or board imposing the fee.
The Board of Selectmen is hereby authorized to establish and
from time to time amend regulations, guidelines or policies for the
granting of waivers, where appropriate, for all local fees of any
kind, including but not limited to fees established under the previous
section and pursuant to G.L. c.40, § 22F, to the extent
authorized therein, and also including but not limited to Building
Code fees, to the extent authorized under the State Building Code,
Title 780, including but not limited to 780 CMR sections 106.5, 114.0
and 114.3.1, and to grant waivers or delegate the grant of waivers
consistent with such regulations, guidelines and policies.
[Adopted as Ch. 35 of the 1996 By-laws]
Fees for fire and police details must be paid within 45 days
after the issuance of a bill. In the event that such charges remain
unpaid after the expiration of the 45 days, interest will accrue at
a rate equivalent to that assessed for unpaid taxes pursuant to the
provisions of G.L. c.59, § 57 as said provisions may from
time to time be amended.
The Board of Selectmen may develop a policy assuring timely
payment of such fees, including but not limited to the requirement
of a deposit or escrow of funds sufficient to cover such obligations.
