Rathdrum fee hikes, additions proposed

RATHDRUM - The Rathdrum City Council will hold a public hearing at 6 tonight to consider increases to some existing fees and new proposed ones.

"Most of our fees are not changing," City Administrator Brett Boyer said. "We have tried to hold the line on most fees.

"These are difficult economic times and we are only raising fees where necessary to cover costs and keep up with long-term planning need."

The monthly sewer fee is proposed to increase from $35.65 to $37.95.

Most of the increase - 4.5 percent of the 6.5 percent hike - is due to the city's contract with Post Falls, which treats Rathdrum's wastewater. The remaining 2 percent is to help cover the replacement of lines.

"This was necessary because there was a concern in our audit that we are not putting enough savings away to pay for replacement of lines," Boyer said. "In addition, we have new standard requirements that will require additional monitoring and testing."

The industrial/commercial water rate is proposed to increase from 50 cents to 65 cents per 1,000 gallons.

"It would equalize the rate per thousand gallons for all users and would allow the city to fund replacement of lines," Boyer said.

There is no proposed increase on the residential water rate.

Recreation program fees are proposed to increase by $1, to $1.50.

"We have not increased most of the recreation and park fees since 2006," Boyer said. "Since that time, the cost to hire referees has increased."

There are several new public works fees proposed, including right of way use ($450), minor subdivisions ($24), commercial plan reviews ($420-$820 depending on size) and residential plan review ($860 for up to four lots, $40 each additional).

The fee for a dog at large is proposed to increase to $100 from $95 to cover increased cost from the Kootenai Humane Society.

The public hearing on Viking Construction's proposal to annex 50.4 acres near the northeast corner of Highway 53 and Meyer Road has been canceled due to the Lions Club's recent interest in annexing its property at the corner as well.

The two requests will be considered at the same time by the Planning and Zoning Commission, likely in March.

- The council will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday for public hearings on Kevin Randles' request to vacate public right of way east of Roosevelt Avenue and south of Idaho Street for a future motel and a zoning code amendment to limit lot coverage to 35 percent for accessory buildings.

Police Chief Kevin Fuhr's proposal to reorganize the police department will also be heard Thursday. The proposal is to create two patrol sergeant positions that would be promotions from within. The department has not had a sergeant since 2006.

Lt. Tomi McLean would move into an exempt position, overseeing the two sergeants. The other lieutenant, Alex Carrington, recently retired.