The Georgetown City Council workshop on June 24, 2025, focused on critical discussions surrounding water and wastewater impact fees, a topic that has garnered significant attention both locally and at the state level. The meeting aimed to provide an update on the proposed impact fees and gather feedback from council members to move forward with recommendations.

The workshop began with a review of the current impact fees, which have generated approximately $40 million annually over the past five years, with a year-to-date collection of $38 million. The council was briefed on the recommendations from the impact fee committee, which has met multiple times to assess land use assumptions and the capital improvement plan. A public hearing is scheduled for July 22, with the goal of reaching a consensus on the updated impact fees before new state legislation takes effect on September 1, which will prevent any increases for three years.

Key discussions included the projected growth in water demand, driven by an increasing population and development in the area. The council noted that the water service area is expanding, with projections indicating a need for significant infrastructure improvements, including a billion-dollar investment in water supply from the East. The committee's recommendations included a phased approach to implementing the new fees, allowing for adjustments based on future developments and economic conditions.

The workshop also addressed the wastewater service area, which is primarily tied to the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). The council discussed the need for additional wastewater treatment capacity and the importance of accurately estimating future growth to ensure that the infrastructure can meet demand.

In conclusion, the workshop underscored the urgency of updating impact fees to align with growth projections and infrastructure needs. The council is set to finalize recommendations in the coming weeks, with the aim of ensuring that Georgetown can effectively manage its water and wastewater services as the community continues to grow.