Priest River Council adopts FY25 fee schedules, keeps 2010 building valuation table

The Priest River City Council on Aug. 19 approved three FY25 fee schedules — utility, general, and building & zoning — following a public hearing and discussion of the building permit valuation table.

Mayor Jeff Connolly opened the hearing on proposed municipal utility, building, zoning and miscellaneous fees at 5:02 p.m. City Clerk/Treasurer Laurel Thomas and Planning & Zoning Administrator Quayle explained the proposed changes, and council members questioned how the city charges for water and sewer improvement bonds, public records requests, and engineering retainers for additional plan review or changes.

Roger Gregory, a member of the public, said he was uncommitted to the proposed changes during the hearing; no speakers offered written testimony in support or opposition. After the public testimony closed, Council Member Turner moved to approve Resolution 24-052 adopting the FY25 utility fee schedule as presented, with Council Member Wagner seconding; the motion passed unanimously. Turner then moved to approve Resolution 24-053, adopting the FY25 general fee schedule as presented; Wagner seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

On the building and zoning schedule, Planning & Zoning Administrator Quayle had presented proposed changes to the valuation table. The council voted to approve Resolution 24-054 adopting the FY25 Building & Zoning fee schedule with no change to the 2010 Building Valuation Data Sheet. Council Member Turner moved the resolution, Council Member Mullaley seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

All three resolutions take effect Oct. 1, 2024. The council did not record further direction to staff at the meeting on updating the valuation table beyond the explanation provided during the hearing.

The council’s actions conclude the statutory public hearing process for the fee schedules; the updated schedules will be reflected in city billing and permit processes starting Oct. 1.