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Commissioners adopt stormwater fee schedule revisions including certification and rain-barrel workshop fees
Summary
Columbia County adopted changes to its stormwater fee schedule to cover the county’s costs for state-required land-disturbance certification classes, added a double fee for starting work without a permit and set a $55 fee for a rain-barrel workshop that covers supplies.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on May 20 approved revisions to the stormwater compliance fee schedule to fund county-run certification classes, add penalties for unpermitted work and formalize a small fee for a rain-barrel workshop.
County stormwater staff told the board the revisions respond to state requirements that contractors hold certifications for land-disturbing activities (Georgia Soil and Water Conservation recertification levels referenced in the packet). The county will offer classes and charge a fee to cover materials and staff time for certification recertifications (noted as 1A/1B recertifications in the meeting). Staff noted private-sector training remains available as an alternative.
The schedule was also revised to include a double-fee penalty for contractors who begin land-disturbing work without the necessary permit, to cover the additional staff work required to bring the site into compliance. Finally, the county set a $55 fee for rain-barrel workshops; staff said the fee covers the cost of the rain barrel and supplies so attendees receive a functioning barrel to take home.
Commissioners voted to adopt the revised fee schedule; the motion carried by voice vote.
