Hoquiam revisits getting rid of new progress drinking water, sewer hookup service fees

Hoquiam is having an additional glimpse at getting rid of new progress money facility prices — the charges compensated by builders to tap into the city’s water and sewer techniques.

In November, an ordinance to reduce individuals expenses was introduced in advance of the Town Council. The ordinance was tabled to the city’s Utilities Committee for additional information and facts right after the council debated the worth of those charges and the likelihood of lowering — somewhat than eradicating — those people charges.

Mayor Ben Winkelman told the council Monday that he was nonetheless in favor of removing the expenses, expressing they discouraged new growth in the town.

Winkelman Monday referenced the $3.25 million grant awarded to Coastal Community Motion System (CCAP) to produce 24 lower-earnings housing models.

“One of the reasons, and there are numerous (for getting rid of the service fees), is we have a task for CCAP that has been funded for IndieDwell to place jointly some lower-income models in Grays Harbor County,” and a place is staying sought, “and if that cost does use it could be a selecting component for some of those jobs,” for IndieDwell and some others, to build in other locations of the county.

The service fees vary from more than $3,000 for a 3/4-inch meter to virtually $400,000 for a 10-inch meter. In November, town Finance Director Corri Schmid mentioned Hoquiam’s charges are a great deal better than these in surrounding cities.

The ordinance will be talked about by the committee prior to the next Metropolis Council meeting and could be introduced again for thing to consider at the Feb. 8 conference.

“I naturally would like to see it eliminated, or almost eradicated,” mentioned Winkelman, including the capital facilities expenses misplaced would be made up by obtaining another home on the tax roles and paying out into the city’s utilities units in a number of years’ time.