Title
Vote to approve changes to well sampling sliding fee scale and allow Public Health Department to implement a dynamic sliding fee scale, adjusting as needed based on utilization, residential building values, and other budgetary considerations.
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Starting in July 2025, the Chatham County Public Health Department’s (CCPHD) Environmental Health Division implemented a sliding fee scale for private well water testing based on residential building values. The goal of this initiative is to make well testing more accessible to residents with lower incomes, aligning with a department and community focus on water quality. To further increase utilization of these services, CCPHD seeks to update its sliding fee scale.
Discussion & Analysis: Since the inception of this program, 11 households have received no-cost well water testing and 74 have received adjusted fees. The current sliding fee scale includes no-cost well water testing for residents whose residential building value is $50,000 or less. The updated fee scale would increase this to 40% of the median, or $96,711 at present. This action will allow CCPHD staff to update the sliding fee scale in the future as needed.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Aligns with plan goal “Foster a healthy community”.
Budgetary Impact: No additional funds requested, as this initiative is already budgeted. Projected cost is approximately $2,000 per fiscal year.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve changes to well sampling sliding fee scale and allow Public Health Department to implement a dynamic sliding fee scale, adjusting as needed based on utilization, residential building values, and other budgetary considerations.