Madison County schedules public hearing for proposed administrative fee increases, including animal adoptions and commercial hauler rate

Madison County staff presented recommended changes to administrative fees and the Board of Supervisors set a public hearing to consider the changes on May 7 at 6:00 p.m.

Staff said the recommended commercial hauler fee would rise from $65 per ton to $70 per ton, based on comparisons with neighboring localities that operate transfer stations. For animal services, staff relayed recommendations from an employee, Annette, who surveyed surrounding counties and suggested modest increases: a $5 increase for dog adoption fees and, at the employee’s suggestion, a $5 increase for cats as well. Staff also proposed raising the daily boarding fee for small domestic animals (cats and dogs) from $5 to $10, while continuing a 24‑hour waiver when an owner reclaims an animal within a day.

Staff discussed other animal‑control fees that need further review: the intake/impoundment fee is currently $12 (staff did not provide a final recommendation in the meeting), and some livestock and large‑animal fees were noted as low and subject to later consideration. Staff said Greene, Culpeper, Rappahannock and Orange counties were surveyed for comparative rates; some counties include microchipping and other services in their fees.

The board voted to advertise the administrative fee changes and to hold the public hearing May 7 at 6:00 p.m. Staff said fees would not be formally adopted until after the required public notice and hearing. The board also directed staff to confirm statutory notice requirements and to return with any additional recommended adjustments prior to adoption.