Auburn Board of Health to Vote on First Fee Increases Since 2019

AUBURN — November 17, 2025 — Auburn Board of Health moves toward its first health permit fee update since 2019. Chair Eric M. Otterson and staff presented a comparative fee analysis at the November 17 meeting, benchmarking Auburn's rates against six to eight central Massachusetts towns and Worcester, and identified food establishments, body art studios, and pool permits as likely targets for increases. Staff said the current schedule is fragmented and no longer reflects the time required for modern inspections, pointing to complex food operations, cosmetic tattooing, and emerging services like IV therapy as examples. No vote was taken; staff will return to the next meeting with a side-by-side recommendation document, with any new rates set to take effect in calendar year 2026 — leaving the ongoing annual permit renewal cycle untouched. The board also received updates on a 32-person flu clinic, a community family fun day with Auburn Youth and Family Services, and a Halloween pet parade organized by animal control officer Tanya Corbo tied to the 2026 Goddard Centennial.