The Okanogan County Board of Commissioners approved an updated building department fee schedule on Nov. 5, 2025, and authorized several department holiday closures for the upcoming season.

Dan Higbee, building official, told the board the proposed schedule was based on 85% of the current ICC building valuation data and would produce a roughly 30% increase on certain fees; staff said previous increases at the fairgrounds did not depress activity. The fee schedule also adds a $50 nightly‑rental review fee to cover staff time and reporting related to short‑term rentals.

The board moved and seconded resolution 147‑2025 adopting the fee schedule and authorized the chair to sign. Commissioners discussed the need to keep the building department financially sustainable while maintaining essential service levels.

Separately, commissioners considered holiday/closure requests from multiple departments. The board authorized the building department and other offices to close early (no earlier than noon) on the day before Thanksgiving, and authorized closure the day after Christmas and the Friday after New Year's Day for certain departments, subject to operational needs and advance notice to the public.

Staff said road crews and other critical operations would remain on call and that continuity plans would be in place for emergency response.