Greene County approves $50 fee for septic systems that require pumps

Greene County commissioners voted unanimously to add a $50 fee to the county fee schedule for septic systems that require a pump, the county manager said during Tuesday’s meeting. The change was presented as a health department request to cover the additional staff time needed to review and inspect these systems.

The county manager told commissioners, "An additional $50 fee for our septic systems that require a pump is, requested." Commissioners asked how many homes would be affected; staff replied that changing housing types — more homes built without crawl spaces — are increasing the number of pump-equipped systems and the county’s workload, though a precise count was not provided.

The board made and seconded a motion to adopt the budget ordinance amendment adding the fee and voted 'aye'; the chair declared the motion carried unanimously. The health department was noted as available to answer questions but did not speak on the record in this discussion.

The measure amends the county fee schedule and is intended to offset review and inspection costs. The county did not provide a specific estimate of the number of properties that will pay the fee or a projected revenue total at the time of the vote; staff said the change responds to observable housing trends.