At a City Council special session held on November 17, Water Utilities Director Scott Schultz, alongside Jason Shepler from CPH Consulting, shed light on the necessity for updated water and wastewater capacity connection fees, aimed at supporting municipal infrastructure amid growth, according to City Council Meeting Brief. The review of connection fees comes on the heels of various changes within the City's Capital Improvement Program, which include the completion of the Harbor Road Water Reclamation Facility Phase II and explorations into shared reclaimed water with Clay County Utility Authority, among others, as per the City of Green Cove Springs' announcement.
During the meeting, Schultz and Shepler explained that capacity connection fees are integral because they ensure new developments contribute to the necessary expansion of water and sewer infrastructure, preventing existing residents from bearing the costs of growth on their utility bills, the study was approved and subsequently submitted following Council feedback. The City's examination took into account the average water and sewer system usage per household and the forthcoming increase in sewer system capacity resulting from strategic consolidations and upgrades, Schultz further clarified that fees must be based on factual data highlighting why a study like this is essential, given it has been rigorously vetted by legal professionals, as noted by the City of Green Cove Springs.
Public concerns were raised about whether developers are paying their fair share, citing that the current fee based on 300 gallons per day should remain instead of the proposed 185 gallons. Council Member Darren Stutts questioned if the proposed changes might lead to residents paying more than developers, the issue of ongoing reviews and potential rate discussions for January was also brought up by Interim City Manager Mike Null.
Notably, Vice Mayor Ed Gaw sought clarity on the differences between the two types of treatment facilities—Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF) and Water Treatment Plants (WTP), to which Shepler explained, one deals with reclaimed water whereas the other treats potable water; Gaw also pointed out the importance of revising the depreciation schedule of the existing utility plants more frequently than the standard, and Schultz acknowledged that the City could update their studies any time there's a significant change, drawing attention to the dynamic nature of this process. In addition, Schultz highlighted the undercharging of current fees in relation to the actual costs needed to support development.
The Special Session also turned the spotlight on the upcoming January discussion regarding water and sewer rates and the launch of a new business and community directory in collaboration with Clay Today, aimed at enhancing public resource access. The directory is now available for public viewing, as shared by Public Information Officer Heather Fincher.
