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Subcommittee forwards proposed updates to city code 3‑10‑8 incentive program to council
Summary
Staff proposed clarifications to Prescott’s water‑conservation incentive code, including timelines for rebates, expanded commercial/multifamily incentives, turf pre‑application, and increased commercial toilet rebates; the subcommittee voted to forward the updates to council for approval.
The Prescott City Council Subcommittee on Water Issues voted April 1 to forward proposed updates to city code 3‑10‑8, the water‑conservation incentive program, to the full council for approval.
Tracy Beasley, water resources project manager, presented the draft changes and said the staff goal is clarity and better customer education so the program can be administered fairly and efficiently. Beasley said the proposed changes include a rolling one‑year eligibility timeline from purchase or installation (with subcommittee discussion of a grace period for early adopters), a turf pre‑application requirement, a limit on hardscape conversions within rebate‑eligible areas, and higher lifetime incentive caps for commercial, multifamily and HOAs (proposed increase from $2,500 to $5,000 for those applicants).
Beasley also proposed raising the rebate available for commercial automated/flush‑valve toilets to better match higher equipment costs and added waterless urinals and commercial fixtures to the list of eligible items. She said commercial retrofits could yield large volumes of water savings because commercial fixtures and automated toilets are flushed many more times than a single household toilet.
On turf conversions, staff recommended shifting language from “removal” to “replacement,” clarifying that staff will target truly irrigated turf areas and encourage permeable design so runoff is not created. Beasley said the city has seen a high volume of artificial‑turf applications and that staff plans to expand education and outreach for alternatives. She told the subcommittee, “We have implemented 90% artificial turf since I've been here,” as part of explaining current applicant behavior and the need for clearer program guidance.
Subcommittee members asked for a clear public rollout and an education period before any new timelines become effective; several members suggested a grace period for recent purchases while the city completes outreach. Member Freeworth asked about funding capacity; Beasley said current fiscal‑year program funds are expected to be sufficient and staff has budget assurances to handle customer demand, with future years to be evaluated during budget planning.
A motion to forward the proposed code updates to council carried 3‑0. Staff will finalize outreach materials, add clarifying examples to program web pages, and return to council with the ordinance change package.
