Thank you for continuing to engage with us regarding General Facilities Charges fees. We are receiving feedback and comments, which is being compiled for review. Staff are answering questions, and continuing to update the Mayor's Office, City Council, and stakeholders with additional information and options.

Process Update:

• Follow-up discussion took place with Council at the Public Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Monday, Feb. 27.
• Mayor Woodward requested a five-year phase-in schedule for the new fees as an option.
• The phase-in schedule in the ordinance that Council is expected to consider on Monday was requested by Council President Beggs and Council Member Kinnear.
• The first reading and extensive briefing was provided to City Council at the Monday, Mar. 6. afternoon briefing session.
• GFC calculation information based on current and future water and sewer projects is posted on the webpage. To get to the GFCs, maintenance-related costs are subtracted as well as facilities that were donated to the City by developers. On the sewer side, stormwater-related facilities and projects are also subtracted.

Public Infrastructure & Environmental Sustainability Committee Meeting

Monday, Feb. 27

City Council Briefing Session

Monday, Mar. 6

What's Next?

• Mayor Woodward is meeting with developer stakeholder group for feedback.
• City staff continue collecting feedback from stakeholders and the community.
• General Facilities Charge fees are currently on Monday, Mar. 13 legislative agenda for action by City Council.

What is a General Facilities Charge?

A General Facilities Charge is a connection fee paid by the property owner seeking to connect to the utility system. The charge includes the physical connection to the system and the equitable share of the cost of the system. GFC fees ensure future customers pay for the capacity that existing customers have already provided for them.

General Facilities Charges are a one-time fee imposed as a condition for a new utility connection. The fee represents a proportionate share of the capital investment made to provide system capacity for the utility service. Additionally, the fee can be used to fund capital projects or related debt services. General Facilities Charge fees may not be used to fund operation and maintenance costs.

Fast Facts about City GFCs

• GFCs have not been updated in 20 years
• GFCs are not keeping up with current costs
• An inflationary index needs to be included in this GFC update

Governing state law: 

RCW 35.92.025. 

Tell Us Your Feedback

Email us at gfcs@spokanecity.org with your thoughts and ideas about the status and future of General Facilities Charges.