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Council gives first reading to utility fee changes including 12-inch fire line charge and higher hydrant-meter deposit
Summary
Finance staff presented Ordinance 20-26-59, adding a quarterly fee for unmetered 12-inch fire lines, increasing a 2-inch hydrant-meter deposit from $1,250 to $2,000, and adding a stormwater delinquency fee. Council asked for clarifications about meter use and deposit alternatives and moved the measure to second reading.
Finance Director Gilbride explained three components of Ordinance 20-26-59: (1) creation of a quarterly fire-line fee for unmetered 12-inch lines sized on system growth, (2) raising the deposit for 2-inch hydrant meters from $1,250 to $2,000 to cover potential replacement costs, and (3) instituting a delinquency fee for stormwater charges consistent with water and sewer fees.
Council members questioned whether hydrant meters are primarily for construction contractors, how deposit amounts were determined and whether alternatives such as bonds or letters of credit could be accepted in lieu of cash deposits. Gilbride said the charges were derived from estimated replacement costs and that the 12-inch line fee is needed because a new building will require a larger unmetered fire line. The ordinance received a first reading and will proceed to second reading for final adoption.
