The Athens-Clarke County Commission approved an ordinance and accompanying waiver Jan. 6 to reduce to zero the water and wastewater connection fees for a mental health recovery facility planned at 240 Mitchell Bridge Road.

Commissioner Myers introduced the motion to grant a 100% waiver under a policy provision that allows fee reductions for projects providing housing and wrap‑around services; Commissioner Fisher seconded. Commissioners and staff clarified the action waives the up-front municipal connection charges required for new construction but does not cover monthly utility service charges for occupants.

Myers said the facility—described during debate as 32 two-bedroom units (64 beds) though other participants referenced a 60-bed figure—has a multi-million-dollar capital budget and that the waived connection fees (cited in discussion at roughly $100,000) would help move the project forward. Commissioner Johnson pressed about whether future occupants could be charged connection costs as part of operating budgets; staff said reducing upfront construction costs tends to reduce end-user cost but the specific pass-through depends on developer arrangements.

The ordinance was read by the county attorney and adopted on voice vote.

Implementation note: the waiver applies to the connection fee only; staff indicated it is not a waiver of monthly service charges. The county will record details in the ordinance and subsequent developer agreements or permitting paperwork.