Council informally backs phased utility impact fee increase, first update since 1999
August 18, 2026, 4:15 p.m.
In straw polls, the council supported a meter-size sewer impact fee structure and phasing in new utility impact fees at up to 70 percent from January 2027 until full amounts take effect in July 2028. Members also reviewed remaining Capital Improvement Program items, including a split poll on a $568,000 park restroom.
From the approved minutes. Updated October 14, 2026.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Public Utilities impact fee plan and proposed increases | Discussed |
| Capital Improvement Program follow-up | Discussed |
| Board interviews | Discussed |
| Library interlocal agreement amendment on tax increment | No action |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Presentation
Updates from the administration
Discussed
Weston Clark updated the council on community planning initiatives, Pioneer Park improvements, the 500 West Beautification and Connectivity Plan, the Fleet Block open house, park closures, a recycling event and the 2026 citywide resident survey. Council Member Dugan asked for an update on water use against conservation goals, including major institutional users.
Item 2 · Taxes and fees
Public Utilities impact fee plan and proposed increases
Discussed
Public Utilities presented its Impact Fee Facilities Plan and analysis for water, sewer and stormwater; the one-time fees on new construction have not been updated since 1999. Members discussed effects on single-family, multifamily and commercial development, comparisons with other cities, projects whose financing predates the new fees, equity with existing ratepayers and a recurring review schedule. Council Member Napier-Pearce asked about incentives for low-water landscaping. In straw polls, all members present backed Option 1, a meter-size-based sewer fee structure for all development, and Option 3, phasing in up to 70 percent of the analyzed amount from January 2027 through June 30, 2028 and the full amount from July 1, 2028.
- Straw poll: Option 1 (meter-size sewer fee), unanimous
- Straw poll: Option 3 (70% phase-in to June 2028, full July 2028), unanimous
Item 3 · Budget
Capital Improvement Program follow-up
Discussed
Kate Werrett reviewed the remaining funding log items. Members discussed funding a new park restroom while a citywide restroom study is pending, reallocating money to plant more trees, possible savings from phasing Glendale Park sport court lighting (about $500,000 for pickleball or tennis courts), Glendale Park's roughly $2.8 million construction contingency on an estimated $45 to $50 million build, and bike racks. Straw polls: unanimous support for paying for a West Temple and Mead Avenue crosswalk with flashing beacons from the Vision Zero line; 5-2 to pause the $568,000 new restroom item and consider reallocating it (Dugan and Wharton opposed); and a separate poll to fully fund it failed 4-3 (for: Dugan, Carlsen, Petro, Wharton). Council Member Puy asked for the cost of the administration's planting of 1,000 trees on the westside.
- Budget$568,000
Item 4-8 · Appointment
Board interviews
Discussed
The council interviewed candidates for the Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry and Trails Advisory Board, the Racial Equity in Policing Commission (two interviewed, one moved to a later meeting) and the City and County Building Conservancy and Use Committee. Council Member Puy said the names would go on the consent agenda.
Item 9 · Contract
Library interlocal agreement amendment on tax increment
No action
The item was a written briefing only. The amendment would clarify tax increment allocations among the city, the library and the Community Reinvestment Agency after the county district attorney and state tax commission found the library is not a separate taxing entity, so the county directed all library tax increment to the agency for tax years 2024 and 2025. No discussion was held.
What residents said
Impact fees on new developmentPark restroom fundingUrban forest