Let's talk General Facilities Charge fees

Let's Talk General Facilities Charge Fees

Thank you to those who were able to join us for the virtual meeting to hear about General Facilities Charge (GFCs) fees for City of Spokane Water and Sewer systems. The presentation provides the history, current status, and the prospective future of GFCs.

Below is the recording of the meeting that includes the presentation and Q&A following.

Video recording of the public meeting regarding General Facilities Fees information

City Council was also presented with information regarding the history and status of GFCs at last week's study session. Watch the video below in case you missed it. The discussion begins at 54:00 following the Traffic Impact Fees presentation.

City Council Study Session Video Recording

What's Next?

City staff are collecting feedback from stakeholders and the community.
Follow-up discussion will take place with Council at the Public Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting on Monday, Feb. 27 at 1 p.m.

Tell Us Your Feedback

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

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 35.91.060: provides for a pro-rata share of costs to which property owners did not contribute.

RCW 35.92.025.