Decatur council takes first reading on updated fee schedule; planning, water and fire fees modified

City Council heard first reading of an ordinance to repeal and replace portions of the city fee schedule and reviewed multiple fee adjustments across building, water, planning and fire department charges.

Staff presented the ordinance as a first reading; the packet highlighted only the portions of the fee schedule being changed. For building permits, staff applied the current year’s Consumer Price Index increase to permit and process fees. Bulk water rates were adjusted to align with a recently completed water/wastewater study: staff said the metered bulk water rate would change from $15 to $20 for the first 1,000 gallons and then to $20 for each subsequent 1,000 gallons at the on‑site meter used at City Hall.

Water and sewer meter tap fees were increased, staff said. Planning and zoning application fees were restructured: the city is consolidating several line items—notification, mailing and recording fees—into a flat application fee, a change staff said would simplify billing and reflect fees last adjusted in 2015.

On fire department fees, staff proposed adding a Certificate of Occupancy inspection fee and adjusting minimum fees tied to fire department plan review and inspections. Staff also noted the city’s contract with a fire‑recovery billing company and said they used that company’s CPI‑based recommended minimums; one staff member noted the new minimum fee placement in the document needs a minor correction before final adoption.

Because this was presented as a first reading, the ordinance will return for a second reading and formal adoption at a later meeting.