Clatsop County staff propose annual fee updates for July 1, 2026; public‑health and wastewater fees rise

Andrew Sullivan, Clatsop County finance director, told commissioners that staff annually review the county fee schedule to account for changes in state statutes and to better reflect the cost of service. He said most proposed adjustments affect public health licensing and on‑site wastewater management and that the county follows a full‑cost‑recovery approach.

Sullivan said one fee in the packet is proposed to decrease and that another amendment updates fees tied to Oregon Liquor Control Commission applications handled by the clerk and sheriff. He said the on‑site wastewater increases align with new DEQ fees effective July 1 and that county staff plan to return to the board on June 10 to revisit the updated schedule and, pending approval, adopt a fee schedule effective July 1, 2026.

Commissioners asked about communications to businesses and licensees explaining that many adjustments reflect cost‑of‑living adjustments rather than one‑time large increases. County manager Don and staff said they will prepare a press release and department‑level notifications; Jill Quackenbush said she will coordinate messaging and confirm when communications go out.

There was no vote at this meeting; staff will complete department coordination and return with the proposed fee schedule for board action on the stated calendar date.