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Board hears first reading to replace wastewater impact fees with connection charge
Summary
On first reading, staff proposed ordinance 2026‑01 to replace Suamico’s wastewater impact fee with a system‑specific connection charge intended for equitable cost recovery; trustees raised concerns about the 2004 estimate of 608 remaining connections, developer competitiveness and fairness for homeowners with private systems.
Director Demony presented the first reading of ordinance 2026‑01, which would repeal the village’s existing wastewater impact fee and adopt a wastewater connection charge tied to the village’s system asset values.
“—The goal of the connection charge is for equitable cost recovery from new users to the system,” Director Demony said, explaining the charge would fund replacement of pumps, blowers, control systems and mechanical components. Staff said the 2004 Van Dyke needs‑assessment study informed historic impact fees but that the Clean Water Fund loan tied to the original fee has been paid off.
Trustees asked whether the charge would be comparable with neighboring municipalities; staff replied the calculation is system‑specific and depends on the village’s asset base, lift stations and service‑area characteristics. A trustee asked whether adding additional users would automatically reduce the per‑connection charge; staff said it would not without a new study or reassessment.
Several trustees focused on the 2004 estimate that left about 608 potential new users in a 20‑year projection. Staff and trustees noted the figure is an estimate and that sewer service‑area mapping includes future service area that may require amendment. One trustee raised equity concerns for existing homeowners who invested in private septic systems and asked whether the village could provide payment options; another trustee suggested that special assessments might include multi‑year payment provisions.
The ordinance remains at first reading and no vote was taken. Staff invited trustees to submit further technical questions now, as Director Demony will not be present at the next meeting.
