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Enoch changes water impact fee method to ERUs and adopts new rate structure with $30.30 base fee
Summary
The Council moved impact fees from meter‑size to equivalent residential units (ERUs) and approved a simplified multi‑tier water rate structure with a base fee of $30.30; public commenters urged conservation tiers and higher penalties for excessive use.
Enoch City Council approved multiple water policy changes on May 20, 2026, adopting Ordinance No. 2026-05-20-A to change how water impact fees are calculated (from meter size to equivalent residential units) and passing Resolution No. 2026-05-20-B to amend the fee schedule including a new multi‑tiered retail rate structure with a stated base fee of $30.30.
City Manager Ryan Robinson presented modeling work by Waterworth and cost estimates from Ensign Engineering that informed a proposed three‑tier rate structure (four tiers when counting the base monthly fee) intended to fund infrastructure maintenance and position the city to qualify for some grants. Robinson and Council members stressed the modeling is most reliable for the next 10 years and that staff would review the model annually.
During public hearings, resident Tyler Melling urged shifting from meter‑size impact fees to ERUs tied to actual fixture counts and usage, saying meter size "overstates the impact by as much as tenfold" in some commercial cases and recommended conservation tiers for new development. Resident Billy Grimshaw asked how banked water rights (he had given nine acre‑feet to the city while using a single meter) would be treated; staff said existing residential banking would not be affected by the ordinance change. Grimshaw also questioned monthly billing versus annual accounting; staff explained monthly billing better aligns with seasonal costs and system strain.
Council approved the water impact fee ordinance and the fee‑schedule resolution. The ordinance changing impact fee methodology passed by roll call (Council Member Shawn Stoor absent; Harris, Ley, Trower and Miner voting yes). The resolution amending the fee schedule and setting the base rate at $30.30 passed by roll call with Council Member Debra Ley recorded as abstaining and the other voting members approving.
Council and staff said they will continue examining conservation rates for new development and high‑user penalties and will revisit rates annually to adjust for inflation, usage patterns, and infrastructure needs.
