Lynn Haven amends fee schedule: $10 nonresident sports surcharge, gazebo permit and meter reread changes approved

The Lynn Haven City Commission approved amendments to the municipal fee schedule that adjust charges across administrative, parks and recreation, building and utilities categories.

Deputy finance staff presented proposed changes previously reviewed by the finance review committee. Commissioners amended the package on the floor before voting: Commissioner Peebles proposed keeping the proposed resident rates while adding a $10 surcharge for non‑Lynn Haven residents using recreation facilities; commissioners also voted to retain a $100 permit fee for reserving the Cane Griffin gazebo and a $100 refundable cleaning deposit, and to reduce the water‑meter reread fee from $50 to $25.

Supporters of the surcharge argued it helps recoup general‑fund impacts and prioritizes residents’ access. "We're the premier sports recreational sports location in Bay County; non‑Lynn Haven residents need to be paying $10 more," Commissioner Peebles said in debate. Deputy finance staff and the city manager noted technical and clerical limits on verifying residency in online registrations, but commissioners directed staff to adopt the policy first and work on verification functionality later.

Public commenters asked for clarity on inspection and reinspection fees in the building department and urged a workshop to review the unified land development code and reinspection enforcement standards.

The commission moved, seconded and approved the amended fee schedule on a roll call vote.