MOUNT VERNON – A new recommendation from the Mount Vernon Utilities Commission would increase the tap and capacity fees for new customers to cover the costs of connecting to the city’s water and wastewater systems.
The tap fee for connecting the public water line to private plumbing would increase from $40 to $75 under the recommendation.
Property owners would pay their connection costs “rather than spreading it out to everyone,” said Law Director Rob Broeren.
“So, basically, taking our cost for materials for meters right now and updating that accounts for the extra cost,” said Safety-Service Director Rick Dzik.
The charges would cover the price for archiving permit records as well as reviews to ensure there’s a water line available, City Engineer Brian Ball said.
He added that the city has traditionally wanted to keep the barrier low for people to connect to the wastewater system.
The Utilities Commission also recommended that the safety-service director raise the capacity fee from $550 to $3,000. However, that increase would be delayed until Feb. 17 so that any project in the design stages with the city would be accepted at the current rate.
“We don’t want to change the rules of the road after they’ve already applied,” Broeren said.
Dzik said the fees are for new customers and new construction only. Part of the reason for the capacity fee is so existing customers don't pay the costs of new customers. Instead, the new customers pay those expenses through the fees.
Regarding permit fees, Mount Vernon’s charges are low compared to similar communities, Broeren added.
Utilities Commission member Mike Miller suggested that all city council members be invited to tour the water and wastewater plants this year. He also recommended that an open house be held so that the public can observe the work being done at the plants and see the work that needs to be done there.
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