The Marshall County Commissioners conducted a public hearing on a proposed well ordinance presented by Christine Stinson, Administrator of the County Health Department.
Heard on first reading, the well ordinance would establish a $150 fee for new wells and a $100 fee for repairs to a well. Stinson said the fee basically covered the cost of testing the water for the new wells or after repairs have been completed. Testing includes: arsenic, bacteria and nitrate.
While no public comments were made during the hearing, County Commissioner Kevin Overmyer said local well driller, Cal Montgomery recently approached him with concerns of how the proposed ordinance requires capping of a well using Portland cement.
Stinson said she would speak to Mr. Montgomery on his concerns with the way the county wants to have a well capped. If a change in the ordinance is recommended, the commissioners can modify it during the second and third readings at their July 17th meeting.
The Health Department also presented an ordinance amendment to increase fees. Under Vital Records the birth and death certificates would increase from $5 and $6 to $10 while paternity affidavits will increase from $25 to $35 and the notary fee would see a reduction from $3 to $2.
No changes were presented for Food Protection but under Environmental Services a new fee would be charged for rabies testing of $25. Stinson noted that if someone was unable to pay the fee they County Health Department would cover the cost of testing.
On the Nursing side of the Health Department, testing for the sexually transmitted infections of chlamydia and gonorrhea are not available and will cost $25. It was noted, at this time there is no charge for hepatitis testing.
The county commissioners approved the fee ordinance amendment on first reading.
