SANFORD — A proposal to raise some fees and institute new ones at Sanford Fire Department will undergo further scrutiny.

Some city councilors and the mayor Tuesday raised eyebrows at the prospect of an increase in the fee structure for fire alarm inspection, the review and testing of fixed fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens and filling stations, and for blasting and explosives, including fireworks displays.

Some of the proposed fees to be charged by the city fire marshal’s office have never been charged before, said Fire Chief Steve Benotti. Some fees the city charges are less than those charged elsewhere.

“We did a survey of surrounding communities and like communities,” said Benotti. “Some of our fees are on target.”

Others, he said, are not.

And some proposed fees are new, like the one-time fee for an inspection of the installation of a new or upgraded fire alarm system. The fire department is proposing a fee based on the cost of the alarm system, at $8 per $1,000, with a $25 minimum.

Benotti said the fees would generate revenue for the department. He said the fire marshal conducts tests and inspections now. The proposed fee changes would help cover the cost of inspections.

But some councilors expressed dismay at the prospect of an increase.

“Every council meeting we’re increasing fees,” said Councilor Alan Walsh. “This (proposal) is only to increase revenue.”

Walsh said he was thinking of the “Mom and Pop” types who start a business. “It’s time to stop all these fees,” he said.

“I tend to agree with Councilor Walsh on this,” said Mayor Tom Cote.

Deputy Mayor Maura Herlihy said she wanted more detail on the fees.

The proposal came to the council as a first reading of an ordinance amendment. No vote is taken at a first reading, that comes following a second reading, likely to be conducted Dec. 16.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].