The most pressing topic revolved around the Public Works Water and Wastewater connection fees. A suggestion was made to continue waiving these fees through 2025, extending a previous board action. The rationale for this proposal was linked to numerous ongoing projects, especially in the Duns Creek area, where over 400 connections were prepared for installation as part of the ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) projects. It was argued that waiving the fees would facilitate timely connections and avoid delays.

A point of contention emerged around the installation of grinder pumps. Current practice involves the county purchasing these pumps and installing them for a fee of $88,000. However, a proposal suggested allowing residents to hire private plumbers for the installation, provided they purchased compatible equipment. This approach would relieve county staff from installation duties, allowing them to focus on other tasks. It was emphasized that the county needed to provide residents with various options for lift stations and equipment to prevent monopolization and inflated costs.

Commissioner Turner confirmed that current policy permitted residents to hire plumbers if they purchased the requisite grinder pumps. He suggested continuing this practice for the upcoming fiscal year and recommended that the subsequent commission decide on future actions. Turner emphasized the need for a sustainable model, proposing a flat rate of $88,000 for installation after the ARPA projects concluded, which could then be allocated towards maintaining and expanding the wastewater treatment plant.

Concerns were raised about the county’s obligation to maintain the grinder pumps, particularly residential systems. It was clarified that the county was required to maintain all residential grinder pumps due to the sewer system’s design. This requirement necessitated a robust system for managing these obligations, especially if transitioning towards a more privatized installation model.

Further inquiries were made about managing commitments under ARPA funding, particularly the number of individuals awaiting connection. It was noted that the list had grown to approximately 400 individuals, exceeding initial capacity, and that the county was managing these expectations. The need for clear documentation on which grinder pump was installed at each residence was also highlighted to ensure effective maintenance.

The conversation then shifted to the financial impact of waiving water and sewer fees for developers. Concerns were raised about potential future repercussions, with some questioning whether waiving these fees now would hinder future financial returns from developers, who might be years away from starting construction. The financial impact of waiving fees, particularly a stated amount of $5 million, was noted as crucial for maintaining water and sewer infrastructure. A suggestion was made to limit the waiver of fees to residents already on the list for water access, particularly in areas with established agreements like Overlook and Real Vista.

A proposal emerged to distinguish between existing utility areas and new developments. Developers connecting to these systems would still be subject to fees. It was clarified that current infrastructure would need expansion to accommodate the proposed development.

Discussions about administrative fee schedules revealed differing opinions on raising various fees. Some argued that while certain fees should be increased, a blanket increase was inappropriate given efforts to make the county more affordable and accessible. Specific recommendations included maintaining existing fees for smaller developments under ten acres and increasing fees for larger developments, with suggested rates of $750 for under ten acres and $2,000 for over. Special use permits and variances were also discussed, with recommendations to keep those fees stable at $750. The discussion concluded with an agreement to revisit the proposed changes to ensure that all concerns were adequately addressed in future drafts of the fee schedule.

Another topic was the adoption fees for animal services. A council member suggested reconsidering the current fees, proposing that lowering the fee for adopting dogs from $75 to around $10 could increase adoption rates, especially for families with children hesitant to commit to a higher fee. However, concerns were raised that reducing fees might attract individuals unable to afford ongoing pet care costs. It was noted that the administrator could waive adoption fees in unique circumstances to address such issues.

Lastly, the meeting touched on the procurement of new surveying equipment, with a motion to purchase a unit for approximately $63,600. Concerns about past equipment failures and the need for procedural compliance were discussed. The conversation highlighted the importance of testing the equipment’s functionality before committing to additional purchases.