Columbus County raises cell-tower permit fees and approves freeze of a bailiff position

The Columbus County Board of Commissioners approved updated building-inspection fees for cellular towers and a personnel action for the sheriff’s office during the meeting.

Building inspections director Darren Jackson proposed fee changes that the board approved: notices of violation set at $0–$50 per day, a new cell-phone-tower building permit increase from $500 to $1,200, an existing tower permit adjustment from $200 to $450, and electrical fees for cell-phone towers from $175 to $300.

Earlier in the meeting the sheriff requested approval to freeze a bailiff position and reallocate funds to support salary adjustments; Captain Creech attended to answer questions. Commissioners asked whether freezing the position would remove it from the official position count; staff clarified the freeze preserves the position while funding options are considered, and the motion passed.

Several commissioners raised concerns about modular-home installations and whether inspection requirements — particularly for foundations, marriage walls and roof attachments — are sufficient. Building staff noted that state building code sets a baseline and local ordinances can add requirements, and commissioners discussed whether additional state-level action or a local code amendment is appropriate.