Land development director proposes 23% CPI fee increase; board discussion but no vote recorded

Susie Dahl, Columbia County land development director, briefed the Board of County Commissioners on July 30 about a proposed annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment to planning and development fees.

Dahl told the board the package before them reflects a 23% CPI‑based increase for this round and characterized the change as the county’s standard annual adjustment for permitting and planning fees. She asked the board for direction to proceed with the increase and to allow staff to review fee schedules and potential technology changes that could streamline application processing.

Commissioners discussed the proposal. One commissioner said the increase would be a “tough sell” to the public, while others urged staff to proceed with reasonable suggestions. Dahl said she believes an August 13 date is relevant for next steps and asked permission to move forward with a fee‑review effort.

The meeting transcript does not record a formal motion, roll‑call vote or adoption of the fee increase at this session. Instead the item was presented for discussion and for the board to give direction to staff on fee review and timing.

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