Summary

<p>We imagine a day when the community helps shape our first-ever Groundwater Protection Plan &mdash; and a Groundwater Board that works for the people. This vote is a necessary first step.</p> <p>Over the last two years, Protect Our Aquifer has been organizing, researching, and building momentum toward stronger groundwater protections. Now we need your help to get this important "housekeeping" ordinance across the finish line.</p> <p>The Shelby County Commission is voting on an ordinance to update Chapter 42, Article II of the County Code. The update does two key things:</p> <ol> <li>Clarifies the authority of the Shelby County Ground Water Quality Control Board to set fees.</li> <li>Allows modest increases to well and septic system permit fees, which haven&rsquo;t been updated in decades and no longer cover the costs of the Water Quality Program.</li> </ol> <p><br /><strong>📊 Why This Matters</strong></p> <p>The current permit fees are outdated and insufficient to fund the public health protections we all rely on.</p> <p>Legal experts warn that if this ordinance isn't passed, existing fees could be challenged as improperly authorized &mdash; threatening program stability.<br />This update was approved by the Groundwater Board on September 26, 2024, and is ready to go.<br /><br />📣 Message to Commissioners:</p> <p>This vote is basic housekeeping &mdash; not a political issue. Let&rsquo;s move past fee tweaks so we can focus on what truly matters:<br /> ✅ Developing Memphis and Shelby County&rsquo;s first Groundwater Protection Plan<br /> ✅ Bringing more community involvement into our water decisions<br /> ✅ Protecting the Memphis Sand Aquifer for the long term</p>

Michael Whaley Chairman

Shante K. Avant Chair Pro Tempore

Mick Wright Commissioner

Amber Mills Commissioner

David C. Bradford Commissioner

Brandon Morrison Commissioner

Charlie Caswell, Jr. Commissioner

Henri E. Brooks Commissioner

Mickell M. Lowery Commissioner

Edmund Ford, Jr. Commissioner

Britney Thornton Commissioner

Miska Clay Bibbs Commissioner

Erika Sugarmon Commissioner