Schertz proposes higher drainage charges and hydrant meter fees

The proposed fire hydrant meter deposit would rise from $200 to $900. The charge to replace a damaged rental meter would rise from $910 to $1,290. City staff's explanation says the deposit is intended to cover unpaid development water use and the replacement amount reflects current meter cost. These are proposed charges for customers who use or damage a rental meter; they are not additions to every resident's utility bill.

What stays the same

The comparison lists no amount change for the police alarm permit and false-alarm fees it displays. Staff describes the police revisions as changes to labels. The four increases above are the amount changes identified in the retained summary table; the proposed ordinance contains the broader fee schedule.

Why the drainage charge is proposed

Staff estimates the drainage increase would raise $800,000 and help support debt payments for $8,375,000 in drainage projects. Those figures describe staff's proposal and estimate, not revenue collected or a council action on Oct. 13. The packet gives residents a way to inspect the stated purpose alongside the proposed fee ordinance.

Next decision

Schertz City Council is scheduled to meet Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Hal Baldwin Municipal Complex, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building 4. The council is scheduled to consider the proposed fee ordinance as item 9. Staff proposes a Nov. 1 effective date or application on the next bill; the council's action and final published schedule will determine which amounts take effect. Residents can compare the proposed amounts in the city's fee summary before that decision.