Klamath County adopts higher DEQ pass-through fee for septic permits

Klamath County commissioners voted May 19 to adopt a new fee schedule for the county Onsite division that raises the DEQ-related pass-through charge on septic permits from $120 to $159, effective July 1, 2026.

Sarah Hill, who identified herself as representing Klamath County Onsite, told the board the DEQ surcharge has risen repeatedly in recent years — 17% last year, 3% this year, and 33% in the current adjustment — and that the Onsite program collects the fee at permit issuance and remits it quarterly to the Department of Environmental Quality. Hill presented the resolution and moved that the board approve and sign the attached resolution adopting the new schedule (Attachment A).

Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the new fee schedule. Hill and staff did not provide a projected change in overall permit revenue to county operating budgets beyond noting the surcharge increase. The ordinance/resolution is effective July 1, 2026, as stated at the meeting.