PORTLAND, Ore. — Editor's note: A proposal to increase Multnomah County health inspection fees failed during Thursday's board meeting. As the 6% hike was already built into the next budget, officials acknowledged that this will result in a shortfall. The story below and attached video were published Wednesday, prior to the vote.
Businesses in Multnomah County might have to pay a higher fee for health inspections as the county considers raising the price. This would impact hotels and restaurants in Portland, prompting some business owners to push back.
Amy Nichols, the owner of Cheerful Tortoise and The Cheerful Bullpen bars in Downtown Portland, said she can't take another rising cost. She's already spending more money cleaning up her bars.
“All of my stained glasses have been broken out," said Nichols. "It’s been constant graffiti cleanup, human feces, urine, it's just nonstop.”
When Nichols heard that commissioners were considering a health inspection fee increase on October 5, she decided to speak up.
“It’s very difficult to do business in Multnomah County now," Nichols said.
She testified during the board meeting and at least one commissioner agreed with her.
“It’s a pretty significant compounding increase," admitted Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards.
Brim-Edwards asked the board to consider other options and encouraged the county to do more outreach to talk with people this fee would impact.
The proposal would increase fees by 6% next year. The Health Department breaks down the proposed increase, which depends on business size. Restaurant owners could pay anywhere from $15 dollars to $70 dollars more per year.
The proposal also lists planned increases for 8% the following three years.
Nichols said, if the fee increase passes, she'll pay over a thousand dollars for inspections at her two businesses next year.
While the county did not make a decision during the first week of October, commissioners are set to consider the proposal again on Thursday, October 19. Nichols plans to be there Thursday to testify again in opposition.
“The commissioners need to give us a break, the city needs to give us a break," Nichols said. "Business owners are leaving Portland not because of the crimes, they’re also leaving because of taxes and business licensing and increases."
The Health Department said it has not increased these inspection fees since 2020. In it's proposal, the department said it expects to collect an extra $336,439 if the fee passes. This money will go toward covering the current budget.
"Current fees are inadequate to support the required staff and resources to meet the statutorily required level of regulatory oversight to ensure the public’s health," the proposal reads.
People can share their thoughts with Multnomah County commissioners by attending the board meeting in person or by phone.