Title
Vote to amend the Fee Schedule to implement a sliding scale fee for well water sampling fees up to the currently established fee
Abstract
Introduction & Background: In the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, the Chatham County Board of Commissioners included funds for a program to increase access to well water testing. Starting January 2025, the Chatham County Public Health Department will pilot a sliding fee scale for well water testing offered through the NC State Lab based on residential building value.
Residents with residential building values up to the median value for Chatham County (currently $215,451) will be eligible to have their wells tested at a reduced cost, and those whose residential building values are below $50,000 will be offered well water testing at no charge. The fees remain unchanged for those whose residential building values are above the median value for Chatham.
Discussion & Analysis: In both the 2021 and 2024 Chatham County community surveys, well water quality was cited as a top two concern among a representative sample of Chatham adults. The program will include education and outreach to raise awareness of well water testing recommendations. The Chatham County Public Health Department is also working with a local non-profit agency to support well water treatment and repair.
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Plan Goal #10: Foster a healthy community.
Budgetary Impact: N/A
Recommendation: Motion to amend the Fee Schedule to implement a sliding scale fee for well water sampling fees up to the currently established fee.