Speak Up on Proposed Health Inspection Fee Increase

Share how increased health inspection fees will impact your business! 

Multnomah County Health Department is proposing a 33% fee increase on health inspections due to budget shortfalls. Businesses operating in the county may have received a letter regarding this, and we want to make sure our members are aware of how to engage on this issue. In 2023, ORLA fought a proposed increase in fees and was successful.

The new Multnomah County Board of Commissioners have been briefed on the Health Inspections Program, the history of the program’s cost recovery model, and the County’s efforts to support pandemic-impacted businesses over the past five years. ORLA met with county staff to start a conversation about the harm a 33% fee increase would create for the restaurant and lodging industry. In the Portland area, the hospitality industry is still seeing far less business than 2019, while prices of goods and fees continue to rise. The County promised to continue to seek feedback from industry members as they sort budgetary needs of the Health Department.

Contact your County Commissioner today to let them know how this potential increase will impact and burden the success of your business.

• Chair Jessica Vega Pederson: profile page | [email protected]
• Commissioner Meghan Moyer, District 1: profile page | [email protected]
• Commissioner Shannon Singleton, District 2: profile page | [email protected]
• Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards, District 3: profile page | [email protected]
• Commissioner Vince Jones-Dixon, District 4: profile page | [email protected]

The County Commissioners will have further discussions about the proposed fee during the upcoming budget process. Read more here: Board of Commissioners briefed on proposed health inspection fee increase.

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To get involved with our Portland Leadership Teams, contact Makenzie Marineau, Government Affairs and Regional Leadership Teams Coordinator.