Sparta council puts off raising lake testing fees

Move would have doubled test fees to $520 annually, By Joseph Harkins SPARTA - The township council decided this week to put off acting on an amendment that would have doubled the annual license fee for swimming at public beaches in Sparta. The amended health ordinance would have increased the fees for public bathing places from $225 to $520. The fees are used to support water quality testing at township beaches including Lake Grinnell, Lake Mohawk, Seneca Lake, and Sparta Lake. “I just think that’s quite a jump to go from where we were to where we want to go,” said council member Wayne Ring. Ralph D’Aries, the township’s health officer, said the proposed increases were based on current expenditures, including the cost to hire inspectors -- typically $50 per hour - as well as lab fees of up to $12 per test. “It’s too much of a jump in one shot,” said council member James Henderson. Township manager Henry Underhill said the test fees, which had not been increased in the past six years, should pay for themselves. “Until you make an analysis, I don’t think there’s a need to raise (fees),” said council member Scott Seelagy. “Let’s get an analysis of the expenses of the department relative to the fees we’re bringing in.” D’Aries said the township makes 12 tests for coli or once each week during a three-month period at the township’s public beaches. Frances Smith, manager of the Lake Mohawk Country Club, said she was not sure how the private community would absorb the proposed jump to $520 annually -- or a total increase of $3,540 -- for tests at each of its 12 beaches. “The tests are important,” she said. “You wouldn’t want anyone in the water if they shouldn’t be. But these are expenses that are hard on us.” Smith said the club already pays $600 for each of its 12 beaches per year to comply with state regulations that include certification provided by the township for safety measures such as medical kits and telephones. Additional proposed fee increases for public bathing would have included $75 for hot tubs, up from $40; $100 for swimming pools, a jump from $65; and a $50 charge for wading pools, an adjustment from $30. The council also decided to table the proposed increase in fees for sewer and sewage disposal inspection at restaurants, supermarkets, and schools for further discussion.