Angola Board of Public Works directs staff to draft connection-fee waiver for Pokagon utility extension

The Angola Board of Public Works and Safety on Jan. 6 directed staff to draft a policy that would waive water and sewer connection permit fees for properties along the corridor of the Pokagon utility extension project, with officials saying they expect to propose a limited waiver period once construction is complete.

Board members and utility staff said the waiver is meant to encourage property owners on and near 127 North Lane and 400 North to hook into the city’s water and sewer lines once the extension is finished. Staff estimated residential connection permit fees at about $1,100 for water and about $1,100 for sewer, though precise amounts vary by customer type and were described as “just under” or “just over” $1,100 during the discussion. Construction of the extension is scheduled to begin around May 2026 and is expected to last roughly one year; staff and the board discussed using a three-year window after construction completion as the waiver period.

Why it matters: Utility staff said increasing the number of active water customers lowers per-gallon fixed costs and improves water turnover in long mains serving the park, which benefits water quality. Board members also noted potential public-safety benefits from additional hydrants where development occurs. The board did not vote to adopt a waiver policy at the meeting; instead it instructed staff to prepare a written policy and return it for formal approval.

Board discussion and staff details

At the Jan. 6 meeting, utility staff explained that total gallon sales have declined as customers conserve water and install low-flow fixtures, which raises the per-gallon cost because a large portion of system costs is fixed. Staff said the extension will add about three miles of main and that long stretches of pipe can hold substantial volumes of treated water that need regular turnover; adding customers along the route would help maintain disinfectant levels and water quality.

From a cost perspective, staff said a typical residential permit to connect to the sanitary sewer is “just under $1,100” and a typical residential water connection fee is “just over $1,100,” with larger commercial connections priced higher. The board discussed the risk that a homeowner might pull a permit, tap the main and never complete a full connection; staff said the draft policy should require an actual active water or sewer account (monthly billing) rather than only a stub tap to prevent that outcome.

The board discussed offering the waiver for both water and sewer and reached a consensus to pursue the idea. Members suggested a three-year waiver period used by other communities, with the waiver window to begin after construction is complete. Staff said the city will research other municipalities’ policies to learn practical lessons and report back.

Intergovernmental and service-area issues

Staff said parts of the route already have service from the regional wastewater district; in places the city would be installing lines in areas the district considers its territory. Staff reported having informed the regional district and said the state has asked the city to build this extension. The city will require customers to provide their own lateral plumbing and pay for on-site installation; the proposed waiver applies to the city’s permit/connection fees only.

Next steps and related items

The board asked staff to draft a formal policy and return it for approval. Utility staff also noted a bid opening for the project has been scheduled for Feb. 10 and that there will be a special meeting for bid openings; construction is anticipated to start around May 2026. The board approved its Dec. 16 minutes at the start of the meeting.

Ending

Staff will prepare a written fee-waiver policy specifying eligibility and the timeframe and will present that policy to the Board of Public Works and Safety for formal action at a future meeting.