About 50 people showed up to the Prospect Room of the Marion County Building to voice their opinions of a proposed fee by the Marion County Board of Health.
Matt Work, Director of Environmental Health with the Board, presented their reasons for levying a fee.
Although not set in stone, the proposed fee of up to $20 would help make up for a $35,000 budget deficit in the Household Sewage Treatment System program. Previously, moneys could be had from sewage permits for new homes. With the recent economy, Work pointed out that home building has slowed down while the program still runs, meaning money has to be made up somewhere.
Several of the citizens in the crowd were not happy with the proposal.
Harry Johnson got right to his point, saying “This isn’t a fee. A fee is a one-time payment. This is a tax.”
That sentiment was shared by the majority of the people in attendance.
“People aren’t complaining about having to spend the $20 out of their own pocket. It’s the principle,” Mel Evans said. “It’s a rebellion. People are tired of new taxes and this is a tax no matter what you call it. And they’re tired of politicians not listening. And if you pass this “tax” you didn’t listen either.”
Another point of contention was the people who would incur the fee. Everybody with a septic system or private sewage system would pay the fee. That would include people already under contract for sewage upkeep.
When that point was brought up, the crowd exploded. One person shouted “the homeowner needs to take care of his own” which was seconded with clapping.
Marion County Commissioner Josh Daniels presented a letter from the Claridon Township Trustees which voiced objection to the fee. Daniels then went on to point out budget overruns and spending increases in the last few years.
Work replied that, while he wasn’t in a position to discuss the entire budget, the costs to citizens over the time period had only risen 18%.
Daniels countered. “That’s not correct. It passes on in increased costs for contractor permits, and vaccinations.”
The Marion County Health Board, comprised of five members, will discuss the proposal on May 21st at 7 PM. That meeting, originally scheduled for Marion General Hospital, will be moved to accompany the expected crowds.
Opinions are still being sought on the matter. Those opinions can be emailed to mwork@co.marion.oh.us.
Matt Work will also be appearing on Marion Insight on Thursday, May 15. The radio show begins at 6:00 p.m. on 97.5 WDCM. You can call in during the show at 387-WDCM or email your questions in advance to insight@radiomarion.com.
