May 3, 2007

Gonsalves Votes “NO” on Fee Increases

Legislator Norma L. Gonsalves joined the Nassau County Republican Legislators in voting to defeat a bill which would increase fees for Nassau County Fire Marshal regulatory services.  Presented to the full Legislature on April 25, the proposed legislation would require local businesses, large and small, to pay higher fees for permits, certificates, applications, approvals and licenses to remain compliant with the requirements set forth in the Nassau County Fire Prevention Ordinance.

“I did not feel that there was proper justification for the suggested fee increases, since fees were last increased in 2005.  Small businesses are already struggling to remain competitive here on Long Island.  I believe that this fee increase was introduced for the purpose of filling county budget gaps, and I cannot support a law that would take more money out of our residents’ pockets and contribute to blight in our downtown communities,” said Legislator Gonsalves.