HBA to Testify Against Washington County’s Permit Fee Proposal

Washington County has proposed an annual 8.5% fee increase in permit fees in order to keep pace with the increasing costs a the Land Use and Transportation Department. These calculated costs include salary negotiations, retirement costs, healthcare, staffing etc. This proposal is despite the CPI and CCI clocking inflation for the industry at below 3%. The county maintains that this level of cost increase is necessary because the department is obligated to cover costs through fee collection due to county policy. HBA submitted testimony in opposition to the proposal in March, and we intend to testify against the measure when it comes before the county commission. Washington County is beginning its budget hearings process May 14^th where the Land Use and Transportation Department will discuss the proposed changes. A link to the agenda can be found here.