Smithtown board grants itself power to change fire fees

Smithtown Town board members have approved an amendment to a local law on fire prevention, which allows the town board to modify fees by a board resolution.

Board members voted 4-0, with Supervisor Patrick Vecchio absent last week, to approve the amendment.

Town Attorney John Zollo said the amendment will allow the board to change fees by resolution, without needing to amend the local law in each instance and hold a public hearing.

The board also approved a change in the cost of fees, which increased them for various licenses or permits.

For example, fees to install a fire alarm or fire-detecting or extinguishing system increased to $250 from $100; for flammable liquids to $170 from $100; and for a fireworks display to $200 from $100.