Randolph seeks boost from building fee waiver

Randolph is trying an unusual means of stimulating the local economy, by waiving fees for building, gas and electrical permits issued for renovating residential properties.

At the urging of Executive Secretary Dave Murphy, selectmen in late August agreed to waive the fees for the final four months of the year.

An immediate goal is to create work for local contractors. The building inspector’s office, according to Murphy, saw a notable increase in traffic in the first couple of weeks after the waiver went into effect.

“We were willing to forgo a one-time revenue loss [estimated at $50,000] for an increase in our levy,” said Murphy, who expressed confidence that the waiving of the fees will lead to an increase in property values and, in turn, increased revenue from property taxes.

The town also has introduced a lottery program through which eligible homebuyers can apply for a $10,000 grant that could serve as a down payment. The grant would total $15,000 if the property had been foreclosed upon or abandoned.

Building permit fees in Randolph are assessed at a rate of $10 per $1,000 of renovation costs, plus a $30 filing charge. The maximum benefit resulting from waiving the fees for a single project would be $1,000.