Council adopts fee‑schedule update and code changes; approves budget amendment revising two job titles

The Milton City Council on April 21 approved a set of administrative and budgetary changes, including a resolution updating the fee schedule, an ordinance removing fee amounts from the municipal code, and an ordinance amending the 2025 budget to revise job titles and descriptions.

Resolution 25‑1987: fee schedule update

The council adopted Resolution 25‑1987 to update the city’s fee schedule. Interim Director Robec told the council the update removes the community building rental fee from code, updates land‑use, subdivision and environmental fees, increases certain permit fees, adds language allowing annual adjustments, and aligns electric reconnection fees with water reconnection fees.

Council member Cedar moved adoption; the motion was seconded by the Mayor Pro Tem and carried 5‑1. Council member White recorded the lone opposition, saying he objects to automatic fee increases without council approval: “I don't really mind tying increases to the CPI, but I do think it's important to maintain oversight,” White said. Cedar responded that the 3.8% rate increase under consideration and the CPI tie are intended to keep fees current; Cedar asked White to identify specific objections to the 3.8% increase.

Ordinance 2111‑25: remove utility fee amounts from MMC 13.36.0.01

The council adopted Ordinance 2111‑25, which removes specified fee amounts (for example, utility bill copies and utility reconnection fees) from Milton Municipal Code 13.36.0.01 so the amounts can be maintained in the consolidated city fee schedule instead of the code. Council member Cedar moved the ordinance and the Mayor Pro Tem seconded. The ordinance passed on first reading, 6‑0.

Ordinance 2112‑25: budget amendment No. 2 (wage scale and position changes)

Council approved Ordinance 2112‑25 amending the 2025 budget to revise certain position titles and job descriptions. Interim Director Robec and Director Madden said the changes do not alter the budget’s dollar totals but modify job titles and descriptions to reflect current operational needs:

- The mechanic title will become “fleet manager mechanic” to enhance external interaction and responsibilities. - The GIS coordinator title and description will be revised to “asset management coordinator,” emphasizing asset‑management duties alongside GIS work; the new description reduces some education requirements in favor of equivalent experience to broaden the applicant pool.

Council member Hall moved to waive the second reading and adopt the ordinance so staff could advertise the position immediately; Cedar seconded. Staff said the city obtained required union approval for the changes, and the GIS role has been vacant for about a year and a half. The motion to waive the second reading and adopt passed 6‑0.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑1987 (fee schedule update): Mover — Council member Cedar; Second — Mayor Pro Tem; Outcome — adopted, 5‑1 (Council member White opposed). Noted changes: removes community building rental fees, updates land‑use/subdivision/environment fees, annual adjustment language, aligns electric reconnection fees with water reconnection fees. - Ordinance 2111‑25 (amend MMC 13.36.0.01): Mover — Council member Cedar; Second — Mayor Pro Tem; Outcome — adopted, 6‑0. Effect: removes specific fee amounts from code to centralize fees in the fee schedule. - Ordinance 2112‑25 (2025 budget amendment No. 2 — wage scale/position titles): Mover — Council member Hall; Second — Council member Cedar; Outcome — adopted, 6‑0 with second reading waived. Changes: mechanic → fleet manager mechanic; GIS coordinator → asset management coordinator; job description adjustments; union approval obtained; position vacant ~1.5 years.

What the council said

Council member White opposed automatic CPI‑linked increases on principle, noting a desire for continued council oversight: “I don't think that fees should just automatically increase without council approval,” he said. Council member Cedar and others said the change is administrative housekeeping to keep fee amounts current and centralized in a fee schedule rather than the code.

Next steps

Staff will implement the updated fee schedule and the code amendment consistent with the adopted ordinances and will advertise recruitment for the revised asset management position under the amended job description.