Denton board approves in-town tap fees for Mountain Vista Villas

The Denton Board of Commissioners voted May 4 to allow Mountain Vista Villas to pay in-town tap rates for upcoming villa units, approving a $1,000 water tap fee and a $1,000 sewer tap fee rather than higher out-of-town rates.

Manager Angel Jenkins introduced the public hearing and explained the request: Mountain Vista asked that the town allow the project to be billed at in-town tap fees so the developer would not need repeated board approval for each tap. Cindy Montgomery, administrator of Mountain Vista, described the facility as a nonprofit campus that employs about 179 people and contracts with many local businesses. "We feel it's only fair since we're already paying double rates on sewer and water services that we'd be allowed the in town rates for the new water taps," Montgomery said.

Commissioners asked questions about the location of existing water and sewer lines and raised a maintenance concern noted by a resident about a longstanding leak near South Main and Amster Street. Public Works staff said the lines are existing and run into Mountain Vista; staff also noted any detailed maintenance or engineering issues would be addressed by project engineers.

After public comment the board closed the hearing and approved the motion to set the in-town tap rate for the Mountain Vista project. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote; one commissioner recused earlier in the item because of board membership on Mountain Vista's board.

The approval allows Mountain Vista's developer to proceed with a contract for tap fees at the in-town rate; staff said engineering and subsequent permits will govern final connections and construction timing.