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Board sets public hearing April 21 on proposed environmental‑health fee increases
Summary
The board voted to call a public hearing April 21, 2026, on a proposed environmental health fee schedule that would raise most fees about 7.7% (2.7% CPI plus a 5% technology charge); the food worker card remains $10 (state‑set).
At the March 17 meeting the board voted to call a public hearing for April 21, 2026, to receive testimony on a proposed update to the county environmental health fee schedule.
Environmental Health staff described the draft ordinance as producing an average 7.7% increase driven by a 2.7% cost‑of‑living adjustment and a 5% technology fee intended to cover ongoing software and API costs. Staff said the O&M (operations and maintenance) hourly fee would rise from $13 to $14 and that the food worker card remains $10 because that fee is set by the Washington State Legislature. The staff presentation noted some permit counts in the packet are placeholders and promised permit‑volume details next month; staff also said a three‑year program review will reexamine fee bases and program costs in greater detail ahead of a planned Jan. 1, 2028, adjustment.
A motion to call for the public hearing was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. The board asked about presenting the technology fee as a separate line item versus embedding it in fee totals; staff said the fee is currently embedded in the posted schedule but offered to bring a spreadsheet showing the separated calculation at the next meeting.
The public hearing will be held during the board’s regular April 21 meeting; board members encouraged staff to publicize the hearing and invited the public to testify.
