Town council tables proposed updates to rate and fee schedule after questions on police fees

Bedford councilors on Aug. 13 opened a public hearing on proposed updates to the town’s rate and fee schedule but, after questions about several items including police fingerprint fees and pistol-permit handling, voted 6‑0 to table the amendments until the next meeting.

Town staff presented multiple updates that had been adopted by land‑use boards (planning, zoning and historic district) and additional proposed changes from police and public works. A new historic district mailing fee of $5 was added to the draft the day of the meeting. Councilors asked for clarification about which mailings the $5 covers; staff said the $5 charge is for standard mailings and that certified-letter charges are separate.

Council discussion focused on police‑department fees. Councilor Carter questioned why a fingerprinting fee for residents was raised while the nonresident fingerprint fee had been lowered; staff explained the police requested rounded $20 increments because fingerprint services are often offered on Saturdays without a cash box. Councilor Carter suggested raising the nonresident fingerprint fee to $80 (from draft $60) in $20 increments; the council discussed whether nonresidents should pay more and whether the police chief should confirm fee structure and whether the town’s local permit practices (including pistol or concealed‑carry permits) align with state procedures.

Town staff recommended tabling so that the police chief could confirm legal and operational details (for example, whether pistol or revolver licensing is processed by state authorities for nonresidents). The council opened the public hearing, took no public testimony, then voted 6‑0 to table the fee schedule amendments to the next meeting. Councilors instructed staff to return with police‑department clarification and to ensure the fee list matches what other town boards have already adopted.