Council discusses first fire line rate increase since 1961 in work session
October 14, 2025, 5:00 p.m. · Salt Lake City and County Building
At its Oct. 14 work session the Council discussed correcting the Consolidated Fee Schedule for fire line rates, which have been $1 per connection since 1961, and heard a Visit Salt Lake update on the Convention and Tourism Assessment Area. It also received a written briefing on a housing and transit reinvestment zone agreement.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Taxes and fees
Consolidated Fee Schedule corrections: fire line rates
Discussed
Public Utilities staff said the fire line rate has been $1 per connection since 1961, that upsizing pipes for adequate water pressure is costly, and that the schedule omitted a title and description ("Fire Lines," "Per Inch"). Council Members discussed the hearing and notice process, why buildings with sprinklers need fire lines (typically larger multifamily and commercial buildings), equity and rate impacts, the fees being unchanged for 64 years and subsidized by other utility charges, the case for aligning with costs, clear messaging to residents and phasing options. Council Member Petro asked for a policy analysis of ways to ease cost burdens on residents' utility bills.
- Fee$1
Item 2 · Presentation
Convention and Tourism Assessment Area update
Discussed
Visit Salt Lake officials reported on two years of the Convention and Tourism Assessment Area, citing brand-building campaigns, increased hotel revenue, visitor spending and local economic impact, with a Hyatt Regency general manager describing hotel cooperation. Council Member Young thanked the group and spoke positively of a past skijoring event.
Item 3 · Development
Salt Lake Central Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone interlocal agreement (written briefing)
Discussed
The Council received a written briefing on an interlocal agreement between the city and the Community Reinvestment Agency to share tax increment in the Salt Lake Central Housing and Transit Reinvestment Zone, as state law requires. No discussion was held; the CRA addressed it earlier that day and Council action was tentatively set for Oct. 21.
Item 4 · Appointment
Transportation Advisory Board interview: Brian Conley
Discussed
The Council interviewed Brian Conley (District 5) for a term ending Sept. 25, 2028. His name was slated for the consent agenda.
What residents said
Fire line fee increases