The Eldred Township supervisors adopted a new fee schedule Wednesday night. Most fees remained the same, but the zoning permit fee increased from $60 to $75, and a special event permit went from $50 to $100. Also increased were the costs to request a hearing with the Zoning Hearing Board or the supervisors from $350 to as much as $1,800.

Ann Velopolcek, the township secretary, said the fees have not changed since 2004 when the township first adopted zoning, but costs continue to go up. That’s why she researched how much other municipalities are charging and proposed a revised fee schedule.

“Obviously, we haven’t been keeping up our costs,” she said.

State regulations do not allow municipalities to charge fees that cover the costs of a hearing 100%, but the fee can be applied to some costs, such as hiring a transcriptionist for the hearing. It cannot cover the cost of the municipality’s solicitor, for example.

The proposed fee for a conditional use hearing was $1,050, and the proposed fee for an appeal of the zoning officers decision, a special exception hearing, or a variance hearing was $1,800.

“It puts us in a little better position as far as the costs are concerned,” Velopolcek said. “It’s a large jump, and these are proposals. You guys can discuss whether or not you think these fees are reasonable.”

“I think we should at least try to recoup as much of our costs as are legitimate and within the regulations,” said Supervisors’ Chairman Gary Hoffman.

He asked the township’s solicitor Michael Gaul if these fees are within reason.

Gaul said, “$1,800 is not out of the question.”

Gaul added that it might be a little bit of a shock, since the fees have not been adjusted for such a long time, but it is comparable to fees in other municipalities. Furthermore, hearings are usually requested by companies that already anticipate the costs of construction and development.

In other business, the supervisors approved the purchase of a new snowplow for $4,368, because the township can no longer get parts for the old plow. The purchase will be paid for through funds set aside in the budget.

They also approved the purchase of a computer for the Public Works Department and a printer for the zoning officer. Hoffman said the computer is refurbished, so it is not brand-new but it is an upgrade to what the Public Works Department is using now. The proposed computer would cost about $423, the printer is $216, and about $250 for setup and three years of customer support.

Robert Boileau, chairman of the township’s Planning Commission, said he thinks the printer could be purchased for less. Hoffman said he would look into it and see if another option that fits their needs is available for less. In the meantime, the purchase of equipment was approved with a limit set at $1,100.

In Boileau’s report to the supervisors about the planning commission, he said he thinks Dollar General will be contacting the township soon about a land development plan. The corporation has expressed interest in putting in a store on Kunkletown Road and sought approval for parking from the zoning officer. This parking request has been approved.

Regarding the township’s parks and open spaces, Hoffman said he thinks signs need to posted to let people know that dogs have to be on a leash. Some areas have signs, but the entrance to the Rail Trail along the Buckwha Creek doesn’t have it.

“I think we should be consistent,” he said.

The supervisors agreed to have signs installed at the entrance to the Rail Trail.