Benton City council amends fee schedule to add government water-use charge

Benton City — The Benton City Council voted to amend the 2026 city fee schedule to correct an erroneous inspection fee and add a dedicated water-use fee for government entities, a change staff said is necessary to protect the water enterprise fund.

City staff presented Resolution 2026-15, explaining the amendment removes an outdated fee item and establishes a charge aimed at ensuring the water fund remains solvent when larger government accounts begin drawing water. "If we fail to do that, the water fund ... we'll end up the entire water budget within less than 2 months," the chair said during debate.

Council discussion focused on development costs and housing affordability. Members reviewed standard permit and impact fees: building permits (ICC-based, calculated by square footage and plan complexity), a park-impact fee described in the meeting as $1.77 per square foot, a transportation fee noted as $0.25 per square foot, and water and sewer connection fees. One councilmember cautioned that high connection and permit fees can push entry-level housing prices substantially higher, arguing the council must balance revenue needs with housing affordability.

After discussion, a motion to approve the amendment was seconded and carried by voice vote. The resolution as approved corrects the fee schedule text and adds the government water-use fee; the council did not specify an effective date beyond approval at the meeting.

The council is expected to continue monitoring utility reserves and fee impacts during budget reviews later in the fiscal year.