Council leaves $28,000 fire-suppression connection fee, approves fee schedule change (3–1)

The Preston City Council approved Resolution 168 as part of the 2024-25 budget package, adopting a 5% increase to water and wastewater usage fees and clarifying the fee description for fire-suppression connections.

Mayor outlined that, combined with the 5% increase, a resident with both water and sewer would see a monthly utility bill of about $79 if the resolution is approved and implemented effective Nov. 1. The council's debate centered on the connection fee for fire-suppression (non-consumptive) lines: staff and the city engineer explained the logic for a reduced figure but noted the theoretical buy-in value for a connection could be as high as $28,000. Some council members argued that reducing the charge would be unfair to existing customers who had paid higher fees in the past.

After discussion, Council member Chris Larson moved to approve Resolution 168 with a revision that struck the prior label "6-inch water connection for fire suppression only" and replaced it with language reading "fire suppression line non-consumptive use," leaving the amount at $28,000. The motion passed 3–1. One council member recorded a no vote citing fairness to customers and a desire to pursue larger utility-rate increases later.

Council members were advised that increases above 5% would require a public hearing under state law, but keeping fees the same or reducing them does not require additional public notice. The council asked staff to implement the fee schedule so that, if approved, the change would appear on the November bills.