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Staff proposes higher utility right-of-way permit fees to fund enforcement position
Summary
Public Works proposed raising base right-of-way permit fees from $25 to $50 and charging $0.15 per linear foot to fund a new utility coordinator position (approx. $90,000 salary + benefits) and associated software; Board members asked for stronger enforcement tools and cautioned about consumer pass-through.
Public Works Director Phil Mallon presented a proposal to the Board to strengthen management of utility installations in county right‑of‑way by creating a dedicated utility‑rights‑of‑way coordinator role and funding it with higher permit fees.
Mallon said growth in fiber and redundant utilities has made the right‑of‑way enforcement more demanding and largely complaint-driven. He recommended adopting GDOT utility relocation best practices formally, increasing the base permit fee from $25 to $50 and charging $0.15 per linear foot; projected permit revenue would support the new position, administrative software and enforcement activities.
Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons and Chairman Lee Hearn asked about enforcement authority and fines; Mallon noted stop‑work orders are effective and he will propose a formal penalty schedule once the position and manual are in place. Gibbons cautioned that fees ultimately can be passed to consumers and asked staff to keep charges reasonable while ensuring the county has meaningful enforcement tools.
