Council OKs moving forward with water‑rate and impact‑fee studies to inform August budget

River Heights council members on July 1 directed staff to proceed with a water‑rate study and related impact‑fee work and to move forward on design for 600 South, with an eye toward incorporating findings into the city’s final budget process in August.

Council members said they want the studies to be completed in time to inform the city’s truth‑in‑taxation process, scheduled in August. Planning and public works staff noted the water‑rate study would also update the city’s capital improvement project list and ERC (equivalent residential connection) calculations.

Janet Matthews and Mayor Blake Wright led the discussion. Staff reported the consultant (Craig) had submitted a fee proposal covering three items: a water‑rate study (which the transcript records as “$4,” without further specification), an impact‑fee study covering water, sewer and parks, and design fees for the 600 South project tied to a COG funding application. Council members said they did not have a full, line‑item cost in the meeting, but the majority supported telling Craig to begin the work now so the city would have information ahead of the August budget deadline.

Council members discussed process questions: whether water‑rate changes would require a resolution or ordinance and whether a public hearing would be appropriate. Staff said any rate change would be adopted by resolution or other formal action and that council could choose to hold a public hearing even if not legally required. Council signaled they preferred moving forward now so draft results could be available before final budget adoption.

Ending: Council asked staff to notify the consultant to proceed and to report back; specific contract amounts were not finalized at the meeting.