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Council hears opposition to sewer-connection rule, tables code change for more study
Summary
After public testimony citing cost and lift-station concerns, the council closed the public hearing on Preston City Municipal Code 13.06.13 (sewer connections) and voted to table drafting a code amendment for 90 days while councilmember Chris Larson and legal counsel prepare options; the city will not issue official connection notices during the pause.
The council conducted a public hearing on Preston City Municipal Code 13.06.13, which requires properties within 100 feet of a public sanitary sewer to connect within 90 days of official notice. Several residents told the council mandatory hook-up would be financially onerous and could require costly grinder pumps or homeowner-maintained lift stations.
Mr. Cole (speaker 3) told the council the upfront connection cost would be a major burden for young families: "it would be unfortunate to have to cough up an extra, you know, $12.15 grand," he said. Other commenters warned that being forced onto sewer could enable higher-density development and raised concerns about maintenance and power-failure backflow in homeowner lift systems.
In response, councilmember Chris Larson (speaker 2) proposed tabling the item for 90 days and drafting a code amendment or exception that could include a temporary reduced connection fee or structured leniency. The council voted in favor and the mayor (speaker 1) confirmed the council will not issue official notice to affected homes during the 90-day review. The council directed Larson to work with legal counsel to bring back proposed language.
