Granite Falls council opens hearing on updated fee schedule, proposes ADU connection charges and $50 utility setup fee

The Granite Falls City Council on March 6 opened a public hearing on AB 028-2024, receiving staff presentation on proposed changes to Resolution 2024-01 and the Draft Master Fee Schedule that would update code references and change several utility fees.

City Manager Brent Kirk reviewed the administration’s proposed amendments to the resolution and fee schedule. Key changes noted in council records include updating the building-code reference to Ordinance 1049-2023 (adopting the 2021 International Building Codes); adding Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (AADU) and Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADU) to the Sewer General Facility Connection Charges (GFC); specifying that the monthly sewer service rate applies only to commercial accounts; adding DADU/AADU references to the City System Water Connection Fee/GFC; and adding a $50 set-up fee for new utility accounts.

Why it matters: the proposed edits would explicitly extend certain connection charges to accessory dwelling units and clarify which users pay commercial sewer rates, potentially affecting homeowners adding AADUs or DADUs and businesses that pay sewer service fees. The changes would also align the city’s references to the 2021 building code cited in a recent local ordinance.

City Clerk Darla Reese entered five exhibits into the public record, including the Public Hearing Notice, verification of posting, an affidavit of publication from the Everett Daily Herald, Resolution 2024-01 (40 pages), and a marked-up Draft Master Fee Schedule (36 pages). Mayor Matthew Hartman then opened the public testimony portion of the hearing; the record does not show any formal votes on Resolution 2024-01 at this meeting.

Votes and formal motions at the March 6 meeting: the council moved to excuse Councilmember Glenn for work obligations (moved by Councilmember Hartman; seconded by Councilmember Griggs; result: carried); the consent agenda was approved (moved by Councilmember Griggs; seconded by Councilmember Straughn; result: carried); and a motion to open the AB 028-2024 public hearing was carried (moved by Councilmember Straughn; seconded by Councilmember Griggs). The public hearing itself remained open for testimony and the council did not adopt the resolution at this meeting.

Next steps: the exhibits submitted and the staff presentation remain part of the public record; the council will consider public testimony and any proposed amendments before any formal vote on Resolution 2024-01. The clerk’s entry of exhibits and the staff presentation establish the basis for further consideration.