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Fairhope Council introduces higher water and sewer connection fees after consultant study
Summary
The Fairhope City Council introduced ordinances to raise system development connection (SDC) fees for water and sewer based on a Jackson Thornton study and set an August 1 implementation date for new or unpaid applications; final votes are scheduled at the next meeting.
Fairhope City Council members introduced companion ordinances to update the city's water and sewer system development connection (SDC) charges and scheduled final consideration at the next council meeting.
City staff told the council the revisions follow a Jackson Thornton study of required capital investments. Council members set an August 1 implementation date for all new or unpaid applications to give existing applicants one more opportunity to connect under current rates. The ordinances amend several existing local ordinances and replace prior SDC language in Chapter 21 of the city code.
Noah, a city staff member, said the new fees reflect rising costs for delivering reliable water and sewer service and longer-term capital needs. "These are not fun items to pass, but necessary to keep the city from growing broke," Noah said. The transcript records prior SDC work and amendments in 1994, 2019 and March 2022, which staff cited in explaining the timing of this update.
Council members were asked to review packet materials, consult the recreation board where relevant and contact the mayor or staff with questions. The ordinances were introduced for a first reading and will be returned for a formal vote at the next meeting; no final action was taken at this session.
What's next: The council will consider the ordinances for final adoption at their next meeting. If adopted, the August 1 implementation date would apply to new or unpaid connection applications as stated in the introductions.
