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County approves health department fee schedule updates; Commission on Aging schedule presented for later action
Summary
The board accepted environmental health fee schedule changes proposed by the health department and heard a separate presentation from the Commission on Aging on a simplified, tiered fee structure; commissioners requested comparative schedules for final action on the aging fees.
The Grand Traverse County Board of Commissioners voted to accept updates to the health department’s environmental health fee schedule and heard a separate, informational presentation on fee changes from the Commission on Aging.
Director Leahy presented proposed 2026 fee adjustments for the Environmental Health Division, including new on‑site wastewater (septic) program fees and changes tied to a pending body‑art regulation. Leahy said staff compared the county’s proposed fees with neighboring units of government and aimed to position Grand Traverse County near the regional average. “We do a couple things within the environmental health division that are not mandated services under the public health code,” Leahy said, explaining staff considerations about revenue versus personnel costs.
Why it matters: The changes are intended to keep program revenues aligned with program costs while maintaining competitive fee levels for builders and property owners. Commissioners asked how the department calculated fees versus costs and how the county will notify frequent applicants. Leahy said the department will use its permit applicant contact lists, social media and press releases for outreach.
Commission on Aging director Lana Payne presented a simplified, tiered fee schedule intended to reduce administrative complexity and to return modest benefits to lower‑income tiers; she said the recommended change would reduce estimated annual fee revenue by about $12,000 on 2024 activity. Payne said roughly 70–75% of commission clients would remain in tiers that pay no fees. Commissioners asked for side‑by‑side comparisons with neighboring counties; Payne said she would provide comparative schedules and bring the COA fee schedule back for a formal vote at a later meeting.
What was decided: The board moved to accept the health‑department fee schedule as presented and approved it by voice vote. The COA fee schedule was discussed but not voted on; administration will return the COA schedule with comparative data for the board to consider.
What’s next: Health department staff will proceed with the adopted environmental health fee schedule and execute outreach to regular permit holders. The Commission on Aging will provide comparative fee information and return with a recommendation at a future meeting.
