SANFORD — If a city department performs a service applicable to only a few, should it charge a fee or should property taxpayers foot the bill?

City councilors last week in a 4-2 vote decided that, for some services provided to businesses by the fire marshal, the businesses ”“ and not all of Sanford’s taxpayers ”“ should pay.

Not everyone favored the plan, including Mayor Tom Cote, who said the fees might be a hardship for small, entrepreneurial businesses. Some of them, he said, “don’t have very deep pockets.”

The plan, which includes increases in some existing fees and new ones, mostly for one-time inspections of equipment and the like, was introduced at a council meeting earlier this month. It applies to the installation of a fire alarm system, the review and testing of fixed fire suppression systems in commercial kitchens and filling stations, and for blasting and explosives, including fireworks displays.

Fire Chief Steve Benotti said he proposed fee changes would help cover the cost of inspections.

During a public hearing, resident Lionel Sevigny said he’s against the fee proposal. He pointed out that outlining communities don’t charge them.

“This has been very much debated,” said Councilor Fred Smith. “I want (Sanford) to come across as business-friendly, but I want people to pay for the specific services they’re using. I know this is a no win for everybody, but I want people to pay their fair share.”

Councilor Richard Wilkins said the fee structure was recommended by a council subcommittee and seconded the motion to approve.

Voting against the plan were Cote and Councilor Dianne Connelly.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.