Commission approves groundwater permit-rate authority to update well and septic fees

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners approved an ordinance amending Chapter 42, Article 2 of the county code to clarify and delegate rate-setting authority to the Shelby County Groundwater Quality Control Board for well and septic permit fees.

Health Department officials told commissioners the current fees have not been updated for years and are insufficient to cover program costs, including inspections and record keeping. The Groundwater Quality Control Board adopted a new fee schedule on Sept. 26, 2024; the ordinance now places the authority to set and update those fees in one place and directs that the detailed schedule be published in the county well-construction code to increase transparency.

Public commenters representing Protect Our Aquifer urged approval and said updated fees would also support a broader groundwater protection plan, improved data and modernized GIS records. Health Department Director Michelle Taylor said the department continues to provide free well testing services and that updated fee revenue would fund inspections, program administration and technical work necessary to manage the countys aquifer resources.

The ordinance passed on third reading; roll-call results were 10 ayes and 1 abstention. Commissioners asked the board and department to set a visible schedule for when fees will be considered and to publish the full fee table in the well construction code once ratified by the state.