James "Bald Head" Dark
March 18, 2008March 20
March 20, 2008Terrebonne Parish Planning Director Pat Gordon recommended lowering the annual fee charged by the parish for carnival viewing stand permits to $50 at the parish council’s Policy, Procedure and Legal Committee meeting on March 10.
The parish began charging a $100 fee to erect viewing stands along carnival parade routes this year.
Gordon told the committee a $50 charge is more in line with expenses incurred by the parish for inspecting the viewing stands.
The charge would have to be reduced by amending the current ordinance.
Gordon told the council in February his department had received numerous complaints about the new fee.
The parish’s inspection services include ensuring the viewing stands do not obstruct driveways and that the stands are not on a parish or state right of way.
The parish issued at least 69 permits during the 2008 carnival season.
Some council members recommended to Gordon in February that his department either reduce the fee or base the charge on the size of the viewing stand.
