Cookeville Water Department Reminds Of New Tap Fee Increases

Cookeville Water Quality Control Department reminding customers that a new sewer tap fee will be implemented March 1st.

Director Barry Turner said the last time the fees were updated was in 2005. He said with so much new development going on, it was important to update these fees to recoup the cost of creating sewer taps. According to Turner, the city is losing approximately $1,200 per tap.

“We’re not covering the cost of making taps for sewer,” Turner said. “The ordinance passed in November, which would increase the tap fee. And it’s a significant increase, so we want to do is try to let the homeowners know.”

Turner said the change will increase tap fees from $1,000 to $2,200.

Turner said while most developers are aware of the changes, he wants the average homeowner to be aware as well. He said if someone has ever considered connecting in to city water, they should do so quickly before the fee increases.

Turner said the ordinance also increases the tap fees on other categories as well as on lots where the developer has installed the sewer. He said most utilities are charging the same for lots where the developer has installed the sewer as when the city installs it.

“Most cities are charging the same price, they’re going to the $2,200 for the tap fee whether the developer put the sewer in or not,” Turner said. “But we’re trying to hold that and give the developer some advantage there so they would pay $1,000.”