Council approves utility fee schedule, keeps $28,000 fire‑suppression connection fee after debate

The Preston City Council approved Resolution 168, a revised fee schedule that implements a 5% increase for water and sewer usage under the FY24‑25 budget and keeps a $28,000 connection valuation for non‑consumptive fire‑suppression lines after debate about fairness and engineering distinctions.

Council discussion focused on how to value different types of system connections. A staff and engineering analysis referenced earlier work that placed a per‑connection buy‑in value at approximately $28,000. One council member summarized that work by saying, “the value of each connection potentially is $28,000 a connection.”

Members questioned whether a fire suppression (non‑consumptive) connection should be charged a lower flat amount (for example, $12,000), given it does not consume system water; others said lowering the fee would be unfair to past customers who paid the higher amount. After discussion, a motion carried to approve Resolution 168 with this change in wording under water connection fees: strike the 6‑inch water connection line for fire suppression only, relabel it “fire suppression line non‑consumptive use,” and retain the $28,000 amount.

Councilmember Thomas announced he would vote no, saying he preferred a larger overall increase to avoid future shocks to rates. The final vote was recorded as 3 in favor and 1 opposed; council members confirmed that changes below a 5% increase do not require a separate public hearing under state law.

The fee schedule is scheduled to take effect Nov. 1 if approved and publicly noticed as required; staff confirmed the revised language and publication steps would follow.