Nonprofit organizations that provide services to Foley residents could receive reductions of up to 50% on certain city permit fees under an ordinance approved by Foley City Council.

Council members voted Monday, Oct. 5, to approve the ordinance on final reading, establishing guidelines for reducing fees for qualifying nonprofit organizations. Eligible fees include those for zoning, building permits and land development permits.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the ordinance recognizes the contributions nonprofits make to the community while ensuring taxpayers do not shoulder the full cost of the services those organizations provide.

"It's a step to recognize that they provide a benefit that the government doesn't do, but still we don't want the citizens to bear all the cost," Hellmich said. "It doesn't cover all the costs, but it's a step to recognize that they provide a benefit to the city."

The ordinance applies to organizations that provide benefits to residents and the broader community in areas including health, safety, welfare, education, housing, social services, recreation and public safety.

Although the city has reduced fees for some organizations in the past, including churches, no formal guidelines previously outlined which fees could be reduced or which organizations qualified.

The new ordinance establishes a consistent process so organizations can understand the requirements before applying.

"We're codifying it so that everyone knows what the rules are up front," Hellmich said. "There are some things you can't waive, and so this lets everybody know up front where things stand."

Under the ordinance, city staff members may waive eligible fees totaling up to $5,000 for registered nonprofit organizations that apply for a reduction. Requests exceeding $5,000 must receive approval from City Council.