Concerns over recurring permit fees and roadway repair costs prompted a Ray County water district official to formally request policy changes from county commissioners. Ray County Water District No. 2 Superintendent Jesse Howell submitted a written statement to commissioners during a recent meeting after previously raising concerns about permit fees connected to emergency water main repairs following an April storm. Howell explained the district is currently required to obtain permits and pay a $100 fee each time work is performed within a county road right-of-way, including service crossings, maintenance projects and emergency repairs. He previously questioned why the district was responsible for both contractor costs and permit fees after a storm caused a tree to fall and split a water main along West 84th Street. In his statement, Howell argued the current process creates additional expenses for both the district and its customers while the utility continues providing…