County reads proposed uniform fee schedule by title; second reading set for Oct. 15

County Court conducted the first reading by title of Ordinance 2025-01, “In the matter of establishing Harney County’s uniform fee schedule for various county departments,” on Oct. 1 and scheduled the required second reading for Oct. 15.

The reading summarized purpose, authority and enactment provisions. The ordinance states that fees collected by county departments will be charged before certain filings, recordings or services are completed and that the full fee table appears in appendices A, B and C. The ordinance notes conformance with state law and cites ORS 203.045 and ORS 192.44 as authority for county-level fee schedules and governance.

Under ORS 203.045, the court explained, ordinances must be read in open meeting on two separate days at least 13 days apart unless each member waives the full reading or a copy is distributed at least one week before the first reading. The court used a posted QR code and distributed copies to members as permitted by statute and set Oct. 15 for the next reading.

Why it matters: The fee schedule centralizes fees across county departments, including building and on-site (septic) services, and could affect permit costs for residents and businesses. County staff said some fee components reflect state surcharges (for example, a $117 state surcharge for certain on-site evaluations) and other portions of fees are retained by the county.

Ending: County staff said the ordinance will take effect after the second reading; the court asked staff to ensure advance public notice and distributed copies ahead of the Oct. 15 session.