Belmont County Health Board Sets New Food Service Fees
New environmental fees adopted by the Belmont County Board of Health include annual fees for operating food services.
Rich Lucas, director of environmental health, clarified that the state’s share of the licensing fees is $28 for a food service operation or retail food establishment and $6 for a vending operation. The total fees, including the county health department’s share, are significantly higher.
Lucas explained that the county’s portion of the food fee is determined by the risk level and size of the food service or retail food establishment.
For instance, for a food service or retail food establishment occupying under 25,000 square feet of space, the local fees are as follows: risk level one, $221; level two, $247; level three, $457; level four, $575. Each licensee must pay an additional $28 for the state’s share.
When a food service or retail food establishment occupies over 25,000 square feet of space, the local fees are as follows: risk level one, $312; level two, $328; level three, $1,121; level four, $1,187. Each licensee must pay an additional $28 for the state’s share.
The local vending fee is $31.92. Combined with the state fee of $6, the total fee then is $37.92 for a vending operation.
The new licensing period for a food service, retail food establishment and vendor runs from March 1 to Feb. 28, 2020.
Board president Dwight Jenewein abstained from a recent vote on the 2019 schedule of environmental fees because he owns a restaurant that is subject to the food service fee. Board members Joel Braido, Dr. Renato DelaCruz, Elizabeth Glick, James King and Irene Louda voted for the proposed fee structure.
COMMENTS