Effingham County considers new address fee to support emergency services

Effingham County is considering the introduction of an addressing fee to streamline the process of assigning property addresses, a move that could significantly impact local development and emergency services. During the Board of Commissioners Work Session on March 18, 2025, GIS Manager Pamela Melser presented the proposal, highlighting the necessity of maintaining accurate address data for law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency medical services.

Currently, no fees are charged for address applications, which require an average of 1 to 1.5 hours of staff time for processing. In 2024, the GIS department handled approximately 183 individual address applications, not including those for subdivisions and commercial units. The proposed fee structure would vary based on the number of addresses requested, with individual residences falling into a lower fee bracket compared to larger developments.

The discussion revealed concerns about the complexity of the current addressing process, with some commissioners questioning whether the fee is necessary given the existing burdens on applicants. However, Melser emphasized that the fee would help cover the administrative costs associated with processing applications, which can be particularly labor-intensive for larger developments.

The board also explored the possibility of integrating the addressing fee into existing application fees, simplifying the billing process for applicants. This approach could align with practices in neighboring counties, where some have already implemented similar fees.

As the county continues to grow, the introduction of an addressing fee could enhance efficiency in property development and ensure that emergency services can quickly locate addresses. The board plans to revisit this topic in future meetings, with the potential for the fee to be included in the updated fee schedule.