HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 09-04-2025; 8-f - Approval of Health Department Fee Change 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 4, 2025
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-f
SUBJECT: Approval of Health Department Fee Change
DEPARTMENT: Health Department
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Attachment 1. Proposed New Fee Quintana Stewart, 919-245-2412
Adjustment — Operation Frederick Perschau, 919-245-2414
Permit Revision/Renewal
PURPOSE: To approve a new fee adjustment to the Environmental Health fee schedule as
recommended/approved by the Orange County Board of Health, and amend the FY 2025-26
County Fee Schedule.
BACKGROUND: The Environmental Health Division requests to adjust a new fee, previously
approved for FY 2025-26. The re-issuance of a septic system's Operation Permit is required
when the system type has complex inspection elements and is required to be re-permitted once
every five years (Type V & VI systems). The fee adjustment from $0 to $500 is requested for cost
recovery of staff training and time.
Health Equity Impact
This proposed adjusted fee will be assessed on systems of the greatest size and complexity in
the Orange County community. The construction of these systems is engineered and is much
more expensive than conventional or accepted system types, having application for larger
footprint single family homes, multiple family homes sharing a system, and commercial parcels.
Type V systems (such as sand filters and aerobic treatment units) and Type VI systems (larger
mechanical pretreatment and wastewater reuse/recycling systems) are complex wastewater
treatment systems that require specialized oversight to ensure the systems continue operating
safely. State rules mandate that their operation permits be renewed every five (5) years, which
necessitates Health Department inspections to verify compliance, protect public health, and
safeguard the environment. There are currently approximately eighty (80) Type V systems in
Orange County. There are no Type VI systems currently in use in Orange County.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: Staff projects additional revenue of $44,000 from this one (1) new fee in
FY 2025-26. After the first year the anticipated annual revenues will be at approximately 20% of
this level each year during the ensuing five (5) years depending on system necessity and priority
for re-inspection. At the end of this initial five-year `catch-up' period, staff expects all of the
systems to be on the same five-year re-inspection schedule.
2
The Orange County Board of Health recommended/approved the proposed new fee adjustment
at its May 28, 2025 meeting.
ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports:
• GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY
OBJECTIVE 6. Provide sustainable, equitable, and high-quality community safety and
emergency services to meet the community's evolving needs.
OBJECTIVE 7. Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life
of the community (e.g., recreation and public open spaces, arts, etc.)
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the new fee
adjustment as recommended/approved by the Orange County Board of Health, and amend the
FY 2025-26 County Fee Schedule.
3
FY 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget
Proposed Fee Change
Department HEALTH-EH
List any proposed new fees or fee changes below
Reason for Increase Anticipated
(Describe,in detail,why the increase is needed and what 2024-25 2025-26 Revenue from
Division Name of Fee impact the increase will have.) Rate Proposed Rate Fee Chane Effective Date
This is a new fee for existing process.The fee will be used
Health- Operation Permit to offset costs of additional staff time required to complete
Environmental Revision/Renewal inspections required by these more complex systems. N/A $ 500.00 $44,000 July 1,2025
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Proposed Fee Change