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Elbert County approves modest increase to on‑site wastewater permitting fees
Summary
Elbert County commissioners voted to amend on‑site wastewater (septic) permitting fees after a Board of Health presentation citing regulatory changes and workload pressures. The board said the adjustments are intended to be revenue‑neutral and to fund a records platform and software migration.
Elbert County commissioners voted Oct. 22 to amend the county—ees for on‑site wastewater treatment system (OWTS) permits after a presentation from the county public health director outlining new state rules, high permit volumes and staffing constraints.
Sarah McIntosh, Elbert County public health director, told the board the state adopted new OWTS regulations in June and counties must adopt local rules by June 2026. She said some elements are mandatory and others optional, and she proposed a January workshop to review the optional items before the county decides which to adopt locally. McIntosh said the department has not raised OWTS permit fees since 2013 and is proposing a modest increase to help cover a planned software and records migration and to reduce staff time spent managing documents in spreadsheets.
"We are expecting it to be around $10,000," McIntosh said when asked about the software and migration costs, and she added that the department estimated the proposed permit‑fee changes would increase revenue by about $8,000 based on 2024 volumes. She estimated recurring licensing or hosting fees could be about $4,000 annually depending on vendor.
Commissioners asked whether the increases would cover inflation and workload since 2013. McIntosh said the proposal was designed to be revenue‑neutral and to provide a short‑term cushion while the department evaluates needs every two years. She also noted that Elbert County's fees are on the low end compared with other departments across the state.
After discussion, Commissioner McDaniel moved to adopt the resolution amending OWTS permitting fees; Commissioner Buck seconded the motion. The board voted in favor by voice vote and the motion carried.
The fee change is intended to fund a public‑facing records platform and to offset staff time and software costs as the county prepares to implement state OWTS changes by June 2026. The department will schedule a January workshop to present optional local regulations and recommended fee updates for further board consideration.
