Fuquay Varina board adopts higher wastewater system development fee; water meter rate unchanged

The Fuquay Varina Town Board on May 20 adopted a revised wastewater system development fee that raises the charge from $4,490 to $4,845 for new service connections, following a public hearing and a consultant recommendation.

Public Utilities Director Mike Wagner told the board the fee analysis was prepared by Stantec and is required under North Carolina law; he said the study recommended no change to the 3/4-inch residential water meter development fee ($4,929) while proposing a $355 increase to the wastewater fee. The draft analysis was posted for a 45-day public comment period as required by state law; Wagner said no public comments were received during that period.

The fee change implements the consultant’s recommended maximums under the statutory formula and applies to new growth-driven capacity costs. After the public hearing, a motion was made to adopt the wastewater and water system development fee analysis as presented; the motion carried.

Why it matters: system development fees (SDFs) are charged to new development to fund water and wastewater capacity attributable to growth. The board and staff said the recommended fees are the maximum allowable under the statutory formula, meaning the town cannot lawfully set higher SDFs without a change in state law or methodology.

Supporting details: Mike Wagner said Stantec recommended keeping the water meter fee unchanged at $4,929 for a 3/4‑inch residential meter and increasing the wastewater fee to $4,845. He also noted the consultant recommended adjustments for larger meter sizes consistent with AWWA guidance. Assistant Town Manager Mark Matthews and the mayor presided over the hearing and the subsequent motion to adopt the analysis.

What the board decided next: the board adopted the fee analysis at the meeting; staff will implement the updated fees per the ordinance and publish the effective dates and any administrative instructions as required.