Commission signals support for using impact fees to finish Gaston Road water main loop if development proceeds

At the April 9 meeting the staff member told the Cottage Grove Utility Commission that a Gaston Road water-main looping project is planned for construction in 2026 and asked whether impact fees could be used to pay for a short additional segment of main—roughly 300–400 feet—if a private development annexed adjacent parcels and required service.

The staff member said design was approved in 2025 with construction anticipated in 2026 and described a scenario where a developer could combine parcels and require a short extension to finish a loop that would give the area redundancy. "But if a development came through, would you guys be interested in potentially using impact fees for the small amount of water main, to finish out that looping?" the staff member asked. Commissioners responded that they would likely be open to using impact fees for that purpose; one member said, "I think it would be probably a fine idea."

No formal action was taken; the staff member noted any development would still need planning commission review and annexation and any funding decision would return to the commission for formal approval when needed.