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Preston council adopts license and fee schedule; keeps $28,000 fire-suppression connection fee
Summary
Council adopted Resolution No. 168, which updates the city’s license and fee schedule. After debate, council struck a category for a 6-inch fire-suppression-only connection and retained the $28,000 buy-in; the final vote passed 3–1 with Councilmember Todd Thomas dissenting.
The Preston City Council approved Resolution No. 168 on Oct. 14, adjusting the city’s license-and-fee schedule and retaining a $28,000 buy-in for 6-inch fire suppression (non-consumptive) connections after debate over a proposed lower fee.
Mayor Daniel M. Keller said the 2024–25 budget included a 5% increase for water and sewer usage. Councilmember Brent Dodge asked City Engineer Tyrell Simpson for supporting documentation for a proposed $12,000 connection fee. Simpson said documents presented in April 2024 supported the current $28,000 fee and that although a $12,000 figure had been proposed, "the supporting documentation is still the same." Councilmember Chris Larsen argued the buy-in amount should remain $28,000, while Councilmember Terry Larson noted the line at issue is non-consumptive (fire suppression). Councilmember Todd Thomas suggested raising water and sewer fees 10% and holding a public hearing.
A motion to approve Resolution No. 168 with a change to strike the 6-inch water-connection line for fire-suppression-only and leave the buy-in at $28,000 passed by majority vote: Larsen, Larson and Dodge voted Aye; Thomas voted Nay.
The resolution also reflects routine fee adjustments included in the city budget for the 2024–25 fiscal year and will be recorded with city finance and utility billing staff for implementation.
