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County staff propose 5% general fee increase and 10% hike for on‑site septic permits
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Summary
County staff proposed a roughly 5% across‑the‑board fee increase and a 10% rise for on‑site septic permits to cover inflation and personnel costs; the county’s septic inspector warned higher permit costs could reduce compliance and urged consideration of public‑health impacts. Commissioners asked for itemized charts and talking points before formal action.
An agency official told the Crook County Board of Commissioners on April 22 that the county is proposing a broad package of fee increases to respond to inflation and staffing costs — roughly 5% across many fees and a proposed 10% increase specifically for on‑site septic permits.
"We are instituting a 5% across the board increase... but for on‑site in particular, we are proposing a 10% fee increase," the agency official said, urging commissioners to consider the multi‑year implications to restore department staffing and service levels.
Christopher Reingel, the county septic (on‑site) inspector, described the on‑site program's work: he conducts site evaluations and inspections that enable homes and businesses in rural areas to develop safely. Reingel said local on‑site expertise speeds permitting and protects water resources, and cautioned that sharply higher fees can depress compliance. He noted that a site evaluation fee could exceed $1,000 after recent increases.
Staff presented a fee‑study comparison of neighboring jurisdictions and state agency changes: Deschutes County has raised fees as much as 16–20% per year in recent years, and the presenter said state DEQ is implementing a large recalibration this year (noted in the meeting as roughly a 30% adjustment). Commissioners asked staff to produce split‑out bar charts showing individual permit types and total costs so the board and public can see how Crook County will compare with neighboring counties.
The board discussed options to offset fee pressure, including pursuing grants and program innovations such as a low‑cost drone program; staff cautioned grant funding can be limited and often ties to specific events. Board members asked staff to prepare talking points that explain the public‑service value of on‑site inspections and response‑time metrics to share with contractors and the public.
No final vote was taken. Staff said it will circulate detailed charts and the proposed fee schedule for a future meeting where the board could adopt the changes.
