Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Nonprofit organizations serving Foley residents could soon pay less for city permits under a new ordinance the Foley City Council approved. The measure establishes a formal process to reduce certain permit fees for qualifying groups. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the change recognizes the work these organizations do for the public. The council's action marks a shift from informal past practices to a formal set of rules.

Council members voted on Monday, Oct. 5th, to approve the ordinance's final reading. The new rules allow eligible nonprofits to receive up to a 50% reduction in fees for zoning, building, and land development permits.

The ordinance covers organizations that provide services in areas such as health, safety, welfare, education, housing, social services, recreation, and public safety. The process is discretionary, meaning qualifying agencies could receive reductions upon application rather than automatic cuts.

Hellmich said the ordinance balances supporting nonprofits with protecting taxpayers. "It's a step toward recognizing that they provide a benefit the government doesn't, but we still don't want citizens to bear all the cost," Hellmich said. "It doesn't cover all the costs, but it's a step toward recognizing that they provide a benefit to the city."

In the past, the city reduced fees for some groups, such as churches, but there were no written guidelines. There was no clear list specifying which fees could be lowered or which organizations were eligible.

The mayor said putting the rules in writing will make the process more transparent for everyone. "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 up to $5,000 in fees for registered nonprofit organizations. Any waiver exceeding $5,000 must be approved by the full City Council.