Water utility board approves updated fees and fines, including higher delinquency penalty and tiered certification charge

The Water Environment Services (WES) Board of Directors voted 4–1 to approve a set of fee and fine changes to take effect as part of the utility’s upcoming budget process.

Key changes include raising the delinquent‑account penalty to 2% per month or $5, whichever is greater; a tiered delinquent‑account certification fee that keeps $50 for first‑time certifications but increases the charge to $100 for accounts that have been certified in either of the two prior years; raising the installment‑payment application fee to $500; increasing reimbursement‑district application fees from $500 to $3,490; and setting a sanitary sewer tap‑in fee at $665 to better cover staff time and direct costs. WES staff also proposed phasing in increases to extra‑strength industrial discharge rates over three years to move toward regional averages.

“These adjustments reflect the true cost of service,” Greg Geist, WES director, said. Geist emphasized WES receives no general‑fund support and that the specific items in the fee schedule represent less than 2% of the utility’s annual budget. He said the delinquent‑account certification process is labor‑intensive and that repeat certifications now make up roughly 75% of certified accounts.

Board discussion Commissioner West expressed concern about raising penalties for customers who are already struggling with high living costs. “I don't have a big appetite to increase these fees on people today,” West said, asking whether WES was seeking new revenue or recovering costs. Geist and other staff said WES offers a low‑income discount, payment plans, and a notification process that informs customers of assistance and prevents certification if an account is on a payment plan and…