Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – Warren City Council is reversing course on the Farmers Market Hazardous Food fee.
After rejecting a request by the market’s Board of Directors to waive the fee last month, the council approved a motion by its newest member, Kim Exley, to eliminate the hazardous food fee.
The fee is $50 annually and essentially covers perishable foods, or foods that must be contained at a controlled temperature, including but not limited to eggs, meats and foods of that nature.
“Do we allow a waiver for the farmers market and not for others,” Mayor Maurice Cashman. “I think you’re opening a pandora’s box.”
Cashman, along with Paul Giannini, were the two members who voted against the motion.
“I think we have an opportunity to fix this issue without going down Pandora’s box,” said Councilman John Wortman. “I think there needs to be a discussion about costs that are placed on businesses or future businesses.”
Added Councilman Phil Gilbert: “We’re not getting their money, because they can’t afford to operate at our farmers market.”
The waving of the fee would seem to ease the restrictions on some of those vendors.
“I think we need to consider waiving that fee for all organizations that are non-profits,” Wortman added.
