Residents tell Preston council fee increases risk pricing out young families and seniors

More than a dozen residents addressed Preston City Council during a public hearing on proposed water and sewer fee changes, with many urging the council to avoid sudden large upfront costs that could deter young homebuyers and strain fixed-income residents.

Bailey Johnson, a resident building a home in the city, told the council the proposed increases would push potential buyers to the outskirts and recommended conservation measures such as alternating watering days and incentives for low-water landscaping instead of higher hookup charges. “I plea with you is to vote no on the approval of increasing water and sewer hookup fees,” Johnson said.

Developers and business owners—while acknowledging the need for infrastructure investment—warned that sharply higher connection fees could delay or cancel projects. Tony Crockett, who described a planned 255-door development, said: “If we hinder…because we have to double the 3.8 to 6,000,000, that will…slow everything down.” Several builders said the economics of projects depend on predictable, competitive fees compared with neighboring jurisdictions.

Other opponents emphasized effects on seniors and low-income households. Jacob Hansen, who said he lives on Social Security, described the cumulative pressure of taxes, utilities and medical costs and told council members the increases would be burdensome.

Council members acknowledged the testimony and debated compromise figures intended to spread costs more equitably between new growth and existing residents. The council ultimately adopted lower-than-advertised connection fees ($9,000) and a $23 monthly sewer increase, and tabled formal adoption of the full resolution for staff to publish the final ordinance. Council members and staff said they will continue to monitor impacts as the changes are implemented.