HOULTON – The cost of doing business is going up every day, and department store, gas station and restaurant owners are not the only people feeling the pinch.

At a recent meeting, town councilors approved a boost in some administrative fees for services carried out by municipal staff.

The decision means that individuals who come to the town office to send or receive faxes, ask for assistance with genealogy research or request copies of tax maps will be required to pay more than they have in the past.

Town Manager Douglas Hazlett told councilors that staffers often serve residents who make such requests and said that the proposed increases would better reflect the cost of those tasks.

Councilors voted 5-1 to approve the increases, which took effect July 1.

The administrative increases are not the only rate hikes town officials are discussing. Later this month, councilors will hold a public hearing to discuss whether to increase fees for certain permits.

Code Enforcement Officer Wade Hanson told panelists last month that a hike in permit fees for tasks such as demolishing a structure or installing a swimming pool would bring the town in line with the prices for the same services charged by other communities throughout the state.

In other business, councilors:

. Were told of the town’s intention to put out to bid specifications for a new ambulance. Hazlett said that funds for the purchase had already been made available and assured councilors that no additional expenditures were needed.

. Briefly discussed the state of telephone poles in town. Many poles are cluttered with outdated signs advertising yard sales. According to a town zoning ordinance, signs advertising yard sales should be displayed on the property no sooner than 48 hours before the event and are required to be removed within 24 hours after the sale. The ordinance also notes that signs cannot be attached to utility poles and trees.