Commission approves first readings to raise air-permit fees and update county air code; health staff outline environmental-justice role

The Shelby County Board of Commissioners took first readings of two ordinances amending the county’s air-permitting fees and updating the air code. The clerk described Item 12 as a change to Title V permit fees and related air-pollution control program fees beginning in 2026; Item 13 would update references to Tennessee air-pollution regulations and revise appeals procedures to allow recovery of appeal costs.

Dr. Bruce Randolph, interim director of the Shelby County Health Department, and Deputy Director Casey Smith Alexander told the commission the proposed permit fees "is to sustain the program, to allow us to continue oversight locally, and to provide regulations for industry that wants to come into Shelby County." Commissioners pressed for policy work to pair new fees with measures to address local pollution concerns, greater community outreach and an environmental-justice position to increase on-site monitoring and to clarify complaint processes. Item 12 passed with nine ayes and four abstentions; Item 13 passed with unanimous recorded ayes at the end of the meeting.