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Subcommittee forwards updates to water conservation incentive code to council
Summary
The subcommittee unanimously voted to forward proposed amendments to Prescott City Code 3-10-8—clarifying rebate timelines, increasing some commercial/multifamily incentives, and tightening turf conversion guidance—to the full 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 city council for approval.
Tracy Beasley, water resource project manager, presented recommended clarifications and two primary program changes: (1) establish a timeline requirement for rebate applications (a rolling 1‑year window from purchase was discussed), and (2) increase the program maximum available to commercial, multifamily and homeowner‑association applicants from a lifetime cap of $2,500 to a proposed $5,000 for those categories to attract larger projects such as commercial toilet retrofits and landscape conversions.
Beasley said the changes also add clearer turf‑conversion language, require a pre‑application step for turf conversions, discourage large impermeable hardscapes that would increase runoff, clarify smart irrigation controller standards (EPA WaterSense‑labeled controllers), and expand outreach and education efforts.
“We want to take an educational path,” Beasley said, describing steps to work with local landscapers, retailers and community groups and to improve online materials and examples for applicants.
Members asked staff to include a short grace period when the revised code becomes effective so residents who recently completed qualifying work are not penalized. Member Freeworth asked whether the program budget can absorb increased demand if outreach succeeds; Beasley said the current fiscal year budget is approximately $60,000 and staff expect to remain near that ceiling, with the program’s FY26 funding to be evaluated in next year’s budget process.
Motion and vote: The subcommittee made a motion and seconded to forward the proposed code updates to council for approval. The motion passed 3–0.
Staff will prepare the ordinance changes, incorporate the subcommittee’s requests (including clearer outreach and the proposed commercial/multifamily cap), and submit the item to the full council for a final vote.
