Those planning to build a new home or other structure in Franklin Township will have to dig a little deeper into their checkbooks since supervisors recently adopted resolutions that will raise fees for Uniform Code Enforcement inspections and double most inspection fees for sewer facilities.

After comparing the 2010 resolution for building inspection fees to those adopted in 2006, the minimum costs for constructing a new home will rise from $530 to $750. The fees for inspecting swimming pools has also risen. The fees for above ground swimming pools will go from $75 to $85 and in ground pools the fees will rise from $145 to $165. Costs to inspect modular homes will rise from $420 to $450.While building inspector fees rose substantially, the costs for sewage fees doubled in almost all categories. The fees were last updated in 2008. Preapplication costs went from $45 to $90; application fees rose from $20 to $40; and permits doubled from $45 to $90. Site visits also doubled. For single lot visits the cost went from $100 to $200 and each additional probe visit went from $40 to $80. Also doubling were percolation testing. If the sewage enforcement officer prepares and conducts the test, the cost went from $350 to $700. Testing-only went from $300 to $600 and observation-only went from $175 to $300. The increase also affects previously tested sites, also doubling from $100 to $200; and system inspections rose from $50 to $100. Costs for miscellaneous services remained at $69 an hour.An Allentown businessman's plans to build a 25-acre private campground in Franklin Township are coming together.Victor Frye has been working on this development plan for about three years and has altered the plan to fit Franklin Township's requirements.Frye plans to build a recreational buildings in one area of the development.Frye appeared before supervisors to explain how the plans to bypass the need for a sprinkler system in the recreation building by having three zones with fire walls between.The proposed member-only campground would be located on the former Otto Campgrounds at 1500 Rock St. in Franklin Township. The first phase of the resort includes 56 rental cottage units, a recreation center, lodge and social hall, five swimming pools, a waterfall, clubhouse and restaurant, tennis courts, hiking and biking trails and other recreational activities.Members of the Carbon County Planning Commission approved Frye's plans in October 2009.Frye also noted that he is planning to hook into the property's present well system for water for the first phase of the project, but has plans to inquire to hook into Lehighton municipal water if Lehighton can service the camp for future phases.Supervisors noted that Frye must submit plans in writing for consideration.Franklin Township supervisors had hoped to sell off a used garbage truck.The truck, a 1990 Mack with a 1993 Heil packer was to be sold by sealed bids.The township wanted to set the truck because the township has a new garbage truck and no longer uses the old one.When bids were less than anticipated, supervisors opted to retain the truck. Bids came in at $5,600 and $7,500. Supervisors voted to reject both bids.