Council asks road superintendent to draft revised encroachment-permit language and fees

Executive assistant Taylor reported on March 24 that Beaver City's current encroachment permit includes a $25 application fee, a $90 inspection fee and a $2,500 bond; the council heard comparative rates from nearby cities and concerns that existing fees do not cover staff time or potential road repairs.

Taylor said other jurisdictions charge per-linear-foot or per-square-foot fees and that some impose higher charges for recent pavement (less than three years old). Road Superintendent Dalton recommended adding a $300 fee for non-asphalt crossings and moving to a per-linear-foot charge to better reflect repair costs.

Council asked Dalton to draft specific permit verbiage and a revised fee schedule; staff noted the city code currently cites fixed dollar amounts and will need an amendment to reference a fee schedule instead. Councilors also discussed options for bonds and processes to verify compaction and long-term repairs.

Staff will return with the drafted permit language and a proposed fee schedule for council consideration and amending the city code.