Gunnison council delays higher water rates until September, debates meter fees

Gunnison City Council on April 1 voted to reconsider a water-fee schedule approved March 19 and to delay implementation of higher-tier rates until Sept. 1.

Dennis told the council that staff had compared Gunnison’s proposed tiers against neighboring communities and that changes were intended to encourage conservation and preserve culinary water. “We’re looking at leaks, addressing trying to preserve a water resource, while not impacting those typical households,” he said.

Council members expressed two main concerns: timing and fairness. One member argued that imposing higher rates during a year of tight irrigation supplies could unduly stress households and suggested a September start date to avoid peak hardship. Another member said delaying the implementation could reduce immediate incentives to conserve. The council ultimately approved reconsideration and set Sept. 1 as the start date for the new rate tiers.

The meeting also included extended discussion about a proposed $500 meter-installation fee and connection fees for vacant lots that now have service laterals. Several council members asked staff to research which lots paid for meters or were provided service laterals as part of the original water project and to return with proposed wording for exemptions or fee-footnotes.

Councilman Pickett introduced the motion to reconsider; it was seconded and approved by voice vote with the council record showing three in favor and one opposed. Council asked staff to return with a list of affected lots and options for how to treat owners who previously paid for connections.