County creates zoning on-site waste management technician position; fee increases to cover cost

Jefferson County supervisors approved a staffing and budget amendment that eliminates a vacant full‑time program assistant position and creates a full‑time zoning on‑site waste management technician in the Planning and Zoning Department.

The Human Resources Committee and Planning and Zoning Committee recommended the change. The county projected the new position would increase annual wages and benefits by about $28,500. The finance presentation explained the increase would be funded largely by fee changes: revenue from 4–5 state review permits at $300 each (about $13,500), a $50 increase for mound and at‑grade sanitary permits (about $2,250), and a $150 fee increase on other sanitary permits (about $12,000), for a total additional revenue of $27,750; the remaining $750 would be absorbed through operational efficiencies in the department.

Nut graf: The change aims to align staffing with workload, permit work and the department’s role in issuing sanitary permits and related services. The resolution authorizes the finance director to make the necessary budget adjustments and requires a two‑thirds board vote to amend the 2025 budget; the board approved the resolution, 28 yes, 1 no, 1 absent.

Discussion and clarification: A supervisor asked what "other sanitary permits" included; county planning staff (identified in the meeting as Matt from Planning and Zoning) said that category primarily covers conventional septic systems for new or replacement permits. Another supervisor confirmed that raising fees to cover the position was part of the action.

Ending: The department will implement revised fees and the finance director will update the 2025 budget as authorized by the resolution.