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

The Jefferson County Board of Supervisors approved a resolution to eliminate a vacant full‑time program assistant position, create a full‑time zoning on‑site waste management technician in the Planning and Zoning Department and amend the 2025 budget to absorb costs. The board approved the budget amendment by the required two‑thirds vote: 28 yes, 1 no and 1 absent.

County staff and committee chairs told the board the reclassification responds to workload shifts and department service needs, including the county’s intent to act as a state agent for sanitary permit issuance. The change will increase annual wages and benefits by approximately $28,500, county documents and staff said.

The resolution identifies specific fee adjustments and permit volume estimates to fund the change: revenue from 45 state review permits at $300 each (total $13,500); a $50 increase on mound and at‑grade sanitary permits estimated to generate $2,250; and a $150 fee increase on 80 other sanitary permits estimated to generate $12,000. Those items together yield $27,750 in additional revenue; the remaining $750, the resolution states, will be absorbed within the department's existing budget through operational efficiencies. Staff said no additional tax increase is required.

Supervisor Brogher moved the resolution; Mr. Jayco seconded. After procedural questions from supervisors about the fee changes and clarification from county staff (Matt, planning and zoning staff) that the "other" category refers primarily to conventional septic permits, the board approved the staffing and fee changes by tablet vote (28 yes, 1 no, 1 absent).

The resolution authorizes the finance director to make the necessary budget adjustments to enact the position and fee changes.