What’s Happening with GFCs?

Areas of Discussion

The Committee established a list of topics for discussions with the committee, staff, and the consulting firm. During each meeting one or more of the topics have been discussed, The list of topics includes:

• Number of zones
• Understanding the calculations such as the impact of interest, use of projects, and the basis of the calculation
• Equivalent Residential Units vs. Meter Capacity Equivalency
• Meter size options
• Phased-in approaches
• GFC vs. Rates - GFCs are dedicated to new capacity costs and rates can pay for both new capacity and replacement costs
• Growth projections from SRTC model
• Capital Planning through the Comprehensive Plan that includes the City's Water System Plan and Wastewater Projects

Targeted Outreach

Presentations are being made to stakeholder groups and organizations with the opportunity to ask questions about GFC fees.

• Association of General Contractors
• Housing Action Subcommittee
• Sustainability Action Subcommittee
• Equity Subcommittee (Coming Soon!)
• Spokane Low-Income Housing Consortium (Aug.)
• Public Development Authority Organizations

View the recent meeting recordings below.

GFC Advisory Committee Meeting

June 8, 2023

GFC Advisory Committee Meeting

June 22, 2023

What's Next?

• Next GFC Advisory Committee meeting will be the opportunity for stakeholders to share feedback from the groups they represent.
• Public Works and Community & Economic Development will work to identify incentive programs.
• City staff continue collecting feedback from stakeholders and the community.
• Once feedback is collected, a presentation will be made to Administration and 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.

Spokane Municipal Code: 13.04.2044

Spokane Municipal Code: 13.03.0734

Governing state law: RCW 35.92.025. 

Fast Facts about City GFCs

• GFCs have not been updated in 20 years
• GFCs are not keeping up with current costs
• An inflationary index is now included in the GFC updated ordinance

Give Us Your Feedback

Email us at gfcs@spokanecity.org with your thoughts and ideas about the status and future of General Facilities Charges. For more information, visit the GFC webpage.