Residents packed the public hearing at the Thurston County Courthouse over the proposed annual septic fees, voted by the Board of County Commissioners in November. About 100 people attended a public hearing late Tuesday, December 6th on a proposed set of annual fees for property owners with septic systems in Thurston County.
The Olympian Reporter Lisa Pemberton wrote:
An overwhelming majority of the 40 or so speakers shared the same opinion: The county’s proposal stinks.
“This is outrageous,” said Bob McNally, who lives south of Lacey.
The Board of Thurston County Commissioners heard about two hours of testimony on the proposed fees that are associated with updates to the county’s on-site sewage system management plan.
Last month, the commissioners, in their role as the Board of Health, voted 2-1 to adopt the changes to the plan, including fees. The plan would affect about 53,000 homes in the county.
Commissioner Bud Blake voted against the proposal, saying he supports improving septic and water quality, but doesn’t think the plan is necessary. Meanwhile, Commissioners Sandra Romero and Cathy Wolfe, who are retiring this month, said they believe the new fees will help ensure drinking water is safe.
—TheOlympian.com
