Council hears first reading of revised fee schedule; Waste Connections cites 1.88% CPI increase

The Decatur City Council received a first reading of an updated City of Decatur fee schedule that would adjust several municipal fees, including a small CPI-based increase for the city's contract with Waste Connections, new charges for replacement meter-box lids, removal of a planning pre-application fee, changes to how public-improvement fees are calculated and new library service fees.

Corey Glassburn, municipal marketing manager for Waste Connections, told council the company’s CPI adjustment for its contract this year is 1.88% and described recent company sponsorships and donations in the community. City staff said the fee schedule packet shows the Waste Connections CPI at roughly 1.8% for the municipal contract.

Staff called attention to new water tap‑related fees for meter boxes to cover replacement costs when lids are damaged or destroyed. The fee schedule also proposes eliminating pre-application planning fees, a change staff said reduces barriers for property owners seeking to develop. Staff noted that the city will move from charging a public‑improvements fee as a percentage of the value of improvements to charging by linear foot for water and sewer public‑improvement oversight, reflecting current accepted practice.

Library fees proposed in the packet include a free notary service for cardholders, a $5 notary fee for non‑cardholders, and new fees for rental/use of the library’s front open space. The fee schedule presented tonight was a first reading; council did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting.

Staff asked the council to note that the fee schedule materials show the detailed line items and pages for the packet where each change is described. Council did not take final action on the ordinance at first reading and will consider a second reading before adoption.