Fees are charged for trash, yard debris and bulk loads. This is a fee for service program that requires purchase of an annual permit. Permit holders can take refuse and recyclables to one of two locations on Saturdays. Hours are limited. The county seeks to preserve and improve its older commercial and residential areas through multiple programs and the collaboration of community-based revitalization organizations.
Many initiatives are in place and others still are being developed.
The Revitalization Program, within the Department of Housing and Community Development, coordinates the initiatives and provides guidance to the community revitalization organizations. The Tax Abatement and Revitalization Program is an incentive to improve and maintain the quality of housing and commercial building stock in the county. To qualify, the structure must be at least 25 years old. Qualifying property owners receive an abatement of the real estate taxes associated with the increase in structural value due to renovation or rehabilitation. Applications for abatement must be made concurrent with construction and by Sept. 1, 2002.