Cedar Falls Council member Cruz proposes citywide fee for septic tank hookups

The Cedar Falls City Council meeting on May 5, 2025, featured a heated discussion regarding the proposed funding for septic tank hookups in the city. Resident Rick Sharp addressed the council, expressing strong opposition to a plan introduced by Council Member Cruz, which would impose a monthly surcharge on all Cedar Falls residents to cover the costs of connecting approximately 400 properties to the city sewer system.

Sharp highlighted that Cruz's proposal would require contributions of 50 cents to a dollar per month from over 15,000 homes, potentially generating around $3 million over 10 to 20 years. He argued that this approach unfairly shifts the financial burden of a few property owners onto the entire community, questioning the rationale behind treating septic system connections as a public good akin to funding for police and fire services.

During his remarks, Sharp pointed out the inconsistency in Cruz's stance, noting that the council member previously advocated for lower property taxes but now supports a plan that would effectively tax all residents to assist a select few. He raised concerns about the implications of such a proposal, asking whether it would set a precedent for public funding of private property repairs and questioning the fairness to those who had previously connected to the city sewer without assistance.

Sharp also called for clarity on the locations of the properties in question, suggesting that many are high-value homes and businesses that may not require taxpayer support. He concluded by warning against a trend where government funding benefits a small number of individuals at the expense of the broader community.

The council's response to Sharp's comments and the future of Cruz's proposal remain to be seen, as discussions on the matter are expected to continue in upcoming meetings.