Due to population growth Hyrum raises water fee

By Caresa Alexander

February 4, 2009 | With a projected population of 16,310 by the year 2040, Hyrum city is facing the need to raise its culinary water impact fee.

The city's three water storage tanks, holding 3,265,000 gallons of water, will not be sufficient to meet the estimated 4,746,800-gal. storage requirement needed in 2040. This anticipated deficit of 1,481,800 gallons is the reason for the increase in impact fees.

The current water impact fee is $481.63 for single and multifamily dwellings. The proposed unit fee for one residential dwelling or equivalent residential connections (ERC) is $2,859. The fee for each multifamily dwelling will be $2,144.25.

The expected cost associated with water improvement projects is about $12.5 million. With the proposed $2,859 impact fee it is likely the city would break even in the year 2040.

When the meeting was open to comment, resident Leon Savage brought to the council's attention a new state law that requires a citizen committee to review any new proposed impact fees. As the proposed impact fee was put to a motion, it died for lack of a second. Council members recommended holding a workshop to look into the law and make sure proceedings would be done legally.

"We'll make it," said Major Dean Howard as the budget was discussed. He said the reserve is dwindling, and the council may have to come up with other rate increases.

Howard also said that special considerations would be given for those who could not afford the increase.

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