New Fee Proposed To Fund Septic System Inspections

WHATCOM, Wash. -- Lawmakers are considering a new fee that would potentially affect tens of thousands of local property owners.

Yesterday, the Whatcom County Council discussed a proposal from the health department for a fee to pay for more strict enforcement of septic system inspection laws.

County Councilman Sam Crawford says he still questions the need for a new fee.

Crawford says he and Council member Barbara Brenner were both skeptical of the idea.

Currently, septic system owners who ignore state and county inspection laws never pay into the county's septic system inspection program.

The new proposal would charge a $19 yearly fee for all septic system owners that would be added to their property tax bills.