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Boone County adopts phased health department fee increases; wells and septic fees jump 40% immediately
Summary
After hearing options from Boone County Health Department director Amanda Veil, the finance committee approved Ordinance 26-13: a one-time 40% increase to well and septic fees and a phased-in increase to food-related fees (7% year 1, 8% year 2, 9% year 3). The committee also discussed a potential $40,000 levy increase to balance the budget.
Amanda Veil, representing the Boone County Health Department, presented a revised fee proposal and supporting time-study materials for the committee’s consideration, noting that surrounding counties are also updating fees this year.
Veil said staff recommended keeping well and septic fees as a one-time 40% increase and offered three phased options for food-service fees. The committee debated the pace of increases and the possible use of levy adjustments to smooth the fiscal impact. Veil said the department can pursue grants and that staff had considered but declined broad nonprofit exemptions because of equity and enforcement complications.
Committee members moved to adopt Option 1 — a phased food-fee increase of 7% the first year, 8% the second and 9% the third, with an immediate 40% increase to well and septic fees. The motion passed by voice vote.
During discussion staff noted the phased approach would require an approximate $40,000 levy increase in the upcoming budget to balance the first-year impacts; the committee clarified the levy matter will be addressed during budget discussions and is not part of tonight’s ordinance vote.
What happens next: The fee changes are slated to take effect July 1; staff will notify vendors and fair participants as planned and will return with implementation materials and messaging.
