Bridgton approves fee schedule, sets sidewalk impact fee at $55 per linear foot

The Bridgton select board voted to adopt a revised town fee schedule, setting the sidewalk impact fee for new development at $55 per linear foot and leaving resident recreation and transfer-station fees unchanged.

The measure, approved by a 4–1 voice vote, keeps one-year transfer-station stickers at $10, additional stickers at $5 and mattress disposal at $15; resident swim lesson and summer camp fees were retained at the levels proposed in the packet.

Board members spent the bulk of the discussion on two related questions: whether to raise sticker and mattress fees to close an operational funding gap, and whether raising fees or increasing enforcement would better address illegal dumping at the transfer station. One select board member said enforcement improvements—random gate checks and better signage—would likely be more effective than increasing the sticker price. Another member argued modest fee increases could support enforcement efforts.

On sidewalks, board members reviewed the ordinance methodology used when impact fees were added in November 2024, including an estimated $6.9 million total project cost in prior analyses. Contractors contacted by a board member reported per-linear-foot construction estimates well above the originally proposed fee. A select board member summarized the policy choice: “The sidewalk impact fee is for new construction only, not upgrading an existing area.”

Amendment proposals offered different fee levels; after discussion the board adopted $55 per linear foot for new sidewalks. The motion applying the fee specified it addresses new development sidewalks and does not change the original ordinance’s project descriptions or appendix language.

The select board directed staff to track sticker sales and to pilot increased gate checks, and asked staff to return with updated sticker-sales figures and enforcement options for the next fiscal review. The vote followed motions to approve the broader fee schedule with the sidewalk fee amendment included.

The new fee schedule takes effect per the board’s adopted implementation timeline; members said any future change to the sidewalk impact fee can be made through the established ordinance amendment process.