The board debated the issue of the 2 a.m. bar closing time. The state law allowing the later bar closing takes effect August 1. The board voted to take comments on the topic from liquor and beer establishments licensed by the county during its meeting July 1. A letter will be sent to all bar owners notifying them they can testify. None of the 34 bar establishments licensed by Stearns County have applied for a special 2 a.m. closing permit. A state fee between $200-$600 will be applied to all special permit applications. Additional fee increases Numerous Stearns County departments proposed raising fees in 2003-04. Examples of some of the fees proposed to change are for liquor or gambling licenses, park shelter permits, septic system inspections, construction site permits, etc. A public hearing will be held at the board meeting at 10 a.m. July 1 before any fees are adjusted. All departments conducted a fee study before making the new recommendations. The study determined how much it costs to provide a service, and compared Stearns County fees to neighboring counties and those of similar size. That study found Stearns County taxpayers were paying a good portion of the overall cost of providing a service. By raising fees, the county would be charging the user of the service instead of adding the cost onto the tax levy. A list of all proposed fee increases is posted on the Stearns County Web site at www.co.stearns.mn.us.
