THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUly 17, 2026 Page 5 No more fees for free Selectmen vote to establish several new fees for work done by their clerk on licenses and permits By Mark E. Vogler F or years, the town has charged a mere $100 fee for the paperwork involved in preparing an application for a Special Permit POLICE LIEUTENANT | FROM PAGE 3 Connors for his 23 years of exceptional dedicated service to the Town of Saugus in law enforcement during which time he demonstrated unwavering commitment to protecting and serving the community. Congratulations Lieutenant Connors on a wellearned retirement and continued health, happiness and success in the years ahead.” All five selectmen signed the citation. Here’s what each selectman and the town manager had to say to Lt. Connors: Selectman Michael Serino: “Lt. Connors, I want to thank you for your service to our community, not only the help that you provided this board all these years. You’re part of our little family here, and we’re certainly going to miss you and want to wish you all of the best, you and your family. Thank you.” (S-2). That was a bargain for the applicants, as the Clerk for the Board of Selectmen would spend an estimated nine to 15 hours working on applications for S-2 permits. Selectmen voted unanimously at Tuesday night’s (July 14) meeting to double the fee to $200. The town had previously never charged a fee for the transfer of a liquor license – a task that could take 22 to 30 hours to complete. Selectmen voted to establish a new $350 fee for that transaction instead of doing it for free. Selectmen also voted to amend the Licensing Fee Schedule by establishing an application Retiring Saugus Police Lt. Arthur Connors shared a moment with the Board of Selectmen and the town manager after receiving a citation. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) Selectman Frank Federico: “Lt. Connors, I just want to congratulate you on your years of service to the community of Saugus. My time on the board with you has been short so far. But prior to that, we were on the Town Meeting together. You’ve always been more than generous as far as answering questions and explaining many issues that may have come up. I know you had a countdown on your phone and you were looking forward to this. So, I wish you nothing but the best in retirement and hope you can enjoy it to the fullest. And it’s very well deserved.” Selectman Jeff Cicolini: “So Lt. Connors, it has been an absolute pleasure. I’ve served with several officers in your capacity. You have been the utmost professional. You’ve dealt with some difficult situations and some not so pleasant situations. More importantly, I want to thank you for being the person you are and the professional you are and for all you have done – not just in this capacity – but to keep our town safe. I tell everybody we are lucky to have the best of the best in both our police and fire, and I stand by those words. And you are the epitome of a professional, and I’m honored to call you my friend. I wish you the best retirement. Well deserved. And I know you are going to continue to enjoy yourself and have fun. It’s so well-deserved, my friend. Thank you again for everything. You’ve been amazing to work with.” Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Anthony Cogliano: “If there’s a person in town that no one can say a bad word about, it’s certainly you. I value your friendship and all you have done for the community over the years, and you will and a $100 fee for Bring Your Own Bottle (BYOB). Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta noted that July 15, 2003 – 23 years ago – was the last time that Saugus adjusted its fees. surely be missed. Thank you very much, my friend.” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta: “And I echo everything that my fellow board members have said. You have just been phenomenal over the years. Every time there’s an issue, you’re right there to help us out, help the residents out. We couldn’t have asked for a better, more helpful and dedicated liaison. You’ve been absolutely wonderful.” Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree: “Lt. Connors, I just wanted to congratulate you on retiring and for a long and great career. And I wish you nice peace and relaxation. On behalf of the town and myself, thank you very much for all of your service to this community.” After selectmen and the town manager had completed their remarks, Panetta asked if Lt. Connors would like to say a few words. “Absolutely, not,” Lt. Connors responded, which drew laughter from the board and audience. MORE SUPPORT. MORE SOLUTIONS. LESS WORRY. Clear answers, faster decisions, and a team that goes above and beyond to get things done. We make it easy for you to get more of what you want. Because here, easy means more. EverettBank.com
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