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Council debates raising water/sewer permit fees and new solar interconnection rules; amendment to reduce increase fails
Summary
Council heard a first reading on an ordinance increasing certain plumbing permit fees (city staff recommended raising some permits from $50 to $150) and adding rules for solar interconnections. A council amendment to limit the increase failed 4–4, and the ordinance was moved to second reading for further consideration.
City staff presented a first reading of an ordinance proposing higher plumbing permit fees and new rules for solar interconnections; councilors debated whether the fee increase is appropriate and whether inspections already required of public‑works staff should be absorbed in department budgets.
Director Duchman reviewed the proposed changes: increase a water and sewer service‑install permit from $50 to $150, and raise fees for installations that require a new water line (from $30 to $100). Duchman said the building commission reviewed and recommended the permit changes unanimously.
Darren Stiegl, speaking for public works, said the city is not currently recovering its actual costs for inspections at the $50 permit level. “At the $50 rate currently on the inspections, we don't break even on what the employee, the equipment, the inspection time that it costs,” Stiegl said, adding that multiple trips, fuel and administrative time add up.
Council debate touched on affordability and transparency. Alderman Stacy and Alderman Sanders warned that increases could burden homeowners with limited means and asked whether wage increases or staffing should cover inspection costs instead of raising fees. Alderman Clem and others pointed to inflation and to consultant analysis used to set the new amounts.
Alderman Stacy moved to amend the proposed increase to $100 (a $50 increase rather than $100). The amendment was tied 4–4 in roll call and therefore failed. Council then voted to move the ordinance to second reading to the next council meeting for final consideration.
Solar interconnection language was discussed as part of the same ordinance package. Duchman said the change would require UL‑approved connections and address safety concerns on older wiring and tight lots where meter‑adapter hardware can impede access.
Ending: The ordinance will return for second reading with the proposed $150 permit fee remaining staff's recommendation; councilors who opposed the change said they may offer an alternative figure at the next meeting.
