Board approves 3% fee increase for Food, Pools and Lodging program to close projected shortfall

Jessica Peterson, program supervisor for Horizon Public Health’s Environmental Health Program, told the board the program licenses and regulates more than 500 food, pool and lodging establishments in Douglas and Pope counties and is funded nearly entirely by license fees.

"I am here today to present to you, a proposed $20.27 fee schedule for our Food, Pools, and Lodging Program," Peterson said, explaining that based on the 2026 forecast and the 2027 budget the program anticipates a projected shortfall of $16,433 and proposes a 3% increase to close the gap.

Peterson said the program's largest expense is salaries and benefits and that the proposed fee schedule reflects a three‑percent increase across the board. Commissioners asked whether the increase applies only to establishments licensed with Horizon; Peterson confirmed it applies to licensed establishments in Douglas and Pope counties. Commissioner motions to approve the 3% increase were seconded and carried by roll call.

The board was also shown a five-year history of fee changes; Peterson noted the base fee was increased in 2024 and a separate private vacation home rental fee schedule was established that year. The board approved Peterson’s request for Board approval of the 2027 fee schedule.