[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6550331,"mediaKeyId","5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9","parentId",5398940,"title","Council grants specific‑use permit to Palladium for 120‑unit mixed‑income multifamily near Evers Park","audioSeconds",649,"startMs",5350000,"endMs",5999000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9&start=5350&end=5999","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9/thumbnail_5350000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6550331/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Council-grants-specificuse-permit-to-Palladium-for-120unit-mixedincome-multifamily-near-Evers-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550331-698db2ad4c0bad04e7f4220064277a9c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104756&Signature=BIe7ceBEcUycP586ScirXxmIcSnlYaTF7hBvEioMXUitcCtBMKfaDJX5zIR4Icv3dCr1sB4mbZKcM6KNh9UUET7Iy3vPnbMv-KEc-35oegmGSDQSCldjmBRbiYgJGprVm7GHsu7kaNtohmcPu0e4rGjy~ezIej~-fJCV94uwcWFq7Y9voEgpkhjDWfY0JN4rK9LD6sUvce-RZ6meqCLP724OtuyAkpOEJRLh2YZG~qiQzBJ0Tf0aclWrqzXUMCWjozzPkjNNYkr-8B2qky8jXM8OEGgaGx3QCzXXKWhmlGm-4MH-bOXitlI1KdJ3lavhwXCyuod8JD8BkUP6ooAVZA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Denton","date","2025-07-15T00:00:00Z","article","The City Council approved a specific‑use permit (SUP) July 15 to allow a 120‑unit multifamily development on approximately 4.1 acres east of Fall Meadows Street, where the zoning (R‑7) allows multifamily only by SUP.

Palladium USA presented the project as the first to use Denton’s recently adopted affordable‑housing incentives. The developer committed 81 of 120 units as income‑restricted units and therefore qualified for three discretionary incentives under the city’s program. Key elements of the approved site plan:

• Building and site: A three‑story building with a maximum proposed height near 47 feet (an incentive relieved the normal 40‑foot limit for additional architectural/ceiling height), 169 parking spaces (including one parking space per unit on the affordable units), and one row of on‑street‑facing parking to reduce visual massing.
• Open space and amenities: Exceeds the 8% open‑space minimum and includes a playground, pool, dog park and community spaces.
• Landscape and pedestrian design: Staff and the applicant designed a street‑front landscape alternative and additional sidewalk connections to match pedestrian patterns to the south; parking‑lot island requirements were adjusted where easements prevented standard placement.

Staff findings and public outreach

Planner Sean Jacobson told council the project complies with the comprehensive plan’s moderate‑density future land use for the site and aligns with the city’s affordable‑housing goals to avoid clustering low‑cost housing in a small number of neighborhoods. The project also benefits from proximity to Evers Park Elementary, Evers Park and the North Branch Library within short walking distances, staff noted.

Staff said the project met all SUP criteria and exceeded landscape and open‑space minimums. Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval 6–0; staff recommended approval with conditions spelled out in the draft SUP ordinance. The applicant held neighbor meetings and conducted outreach; staff reported one property owner submitted comments in opposition.

Council discussion and outcome

Council members asked about pedestrian access, fencing and on‑site management. The developer confirmed a staffed on‑site management office and multiple pedestrian access points to adjacent sidewalks and the street. Council approved the SUP 7–0.

Why it matters

The project is the first to use Denton’s new affordable‑housing incentives; Palladium’s on‑site mix of rent‑restricted and market units is intended to deliver mixed‑income housing near services. The approved plan also shows how staff applied zoning flexibility and landscape alternatives to fit a larger building into an established neighborhood context.

Next steps

Palladium will proceed with civil engineering and building permit submittals and must meet SUP conditions and any required plan review steps before construction begins.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Denton - City Council on 2025-07-15 2:00 PM - Jul 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The City Council unanimously approved a specific‑use permit July 15 for a 120‑unit, three‑story multifamily project east of Fall Meadows Street. The developer, Palladium USA, will provide 81 income‑restricted units and will use the city’s affordable‑housing incentives.","taxTitle","Denton City, Denton County, Texas","taxId",2787,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6550336,"Council approves tax rebates for two Denton expansions — US Cold Storage and PanelRite gypsum plant",0,8340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9&start=8340&end=8340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9/thumbnail_8340000.jpg","/articles/6550336/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Council-approves-tax-rebates-for-two-Denton-expansions-US-Cold-Storage-and-PanelRite-gypsum-plant","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550336-0569067988b75f26d54200e2d9a50cc2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104756&Signature=g8bG5UlknszDpns9ASnorw~b88SJ7Ez5tByaPzD1v58jsc7RvC8NHVldS9sHKStSKlQ0M8gkr4UeURkjmrPREInJ9Qw21OB1wVzUIMSUYAU8fbLIOrVOnilsWHkyj34lQleGoUl6l9yG4G-L49uhUsjgvW1to8tXOwenOShVjFyBV1OPhah9TmkkEpgk3HzvPJzlaAbB1fNnWnquk-UZFR2T0o1qyke-oAb4eW7YCcvRcsf~1ICux~f5Xv~3HGozzIYcuUMJcR4zZe6aqJxIYI~21jnTAM9w~dpIblud7dhi40j1biBseQJZfZAI7wOUQsuE7rA6cyVsfeW0j4EBOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City Council approved two economic development incentive packages at its July 15 meeting, both described by staff as recruitment or retention projects that committed private capital and jobs to Denton.

United States Cold Storage (USCS)

Staff said US Cold Storage proposed a new Denton cold‑storage facility on roughly 45 acres at 3255 Jim Crystal Road. The company informed staff it would invest about $35 million total (approximately $12 million in real‑property improvements and $23 million in business personal property) and create 172 new jobs over four years with an average wage reported at roughly $57,584 per position in the application. Staff recommended a Chapter 380 performance‑based grant in the form of a 60% property‑tax rebate on improvements and business personal property for eight years, plus a 75% construction sales‑tax rebate in year two. The staff estimate showed net new city revenue of roughly $1.09 million across the period after incentives and projected positive economic return and a 4.8‑year payback under their fiscal model.

PanelRite (PR Gypsum)

PanelRite (a U.S. subsidiary of Grupo ProAmi/Grupo Promax) is entering the U.S. market and seeks to rehabilitate/occupy an existing 60,000‑square‑foot industrial building on Shelby Lane, add a covered loading area and silos and to locate production and distribution operations in Denton. Staff said the project would invest roughly $10 million–$50 million (the application lists improvements and BPP plus building acquisition) and create 20 new jobs with a weighted average salary of about $72,733. Staff recommended a package that included a 60% real‑property rebate for five years, a 60% business‑personal‑property rebate for five years, a job‑based grant totaling $16,500 per qualified job over the incentive period and a one‑time relocation grant of $50,000. Staff’s economic model projected a short payback and about $617,000 of net city revenue after incentives.

Council action and context

Council voted to approve both incentive agreements by unanimous votes. Council discussion followed staff presentations but did not include substantive amendments to the recommended terms. Staff emphasized that both projects were either recruitment or retention opportunities and that both companies met the city’s incentive evaluation criteria.

Why it matters

Both approvals commit public incentives tied to performance and jobs. Staff argued both projects will create local jobs, expand Denton’s industrial and logistics base and add taxable value to the city’s property rolls. Councilors asked about workforce and skills development during the presentations and applauded the speed of the recruitment work by the city’s economic development team.

Votes at a glance

• United States Cold Storage (Chapter 380 performance‑based tax rebate; 60% rebate on improvements and BPP for 8 years; construction sales‑tax rebate 75% in year 2; estimated capital investment $35M; jobs: 172; council vote: 7–0, approved).
• PR Gypsum / PanelRite (60% real property and business‑PP rebate for 5 years; job incentive ~$16,500 per qualified job; one‑time relocation grant $50,000; estimated new jobs: 20; council vote: 7–0, approved).

Next steps

Both agreements require the city and the companies to finalize performance contracts and reporting terms. Staff said the agreements include standard performance milestones and clawbacks tied to job creation and capital investment.","July 15 meetings: Council approved performance‑based tax incentives for United States Cold Storage (distribution/temperature‑controlled storage) and PR Gypsum (PanelRite), a gypsum/drywall producer. Both projects promise multi‑million dollar investments, new jobs and municipal revenue; council votes were unanimous.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6550339,"Denton updates Climate Action Plan dashboard; cites energy, efficiency and recycling gains",203,5149000,5352000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9&start=5149&end=5352","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9/thumbnail_5149000.jpg","/articles/6550339/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Denton-updates-Climate-Action-Plan-dashboard-cites-energy-efficiency-and-recycling-gains","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550339-b57bc7f2377ae39dc72d03d7e56af8ee/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104756&Signature=YjZFpBdrOL9aqbOtajQYBkqbTvMnvZRQWNS96utlenhE7CXxcJIaF3H9hTaCHmd5zxayDRAmEwopOmqnvU2HH7jkmk5hLT-oeRW6yizCIIEqf5vxNs5Jg~qMH1R02j63yl0F~hWFS39ybKjTftgbWQTjgnMJFoUlux-IJ6TY~LhGv04RSwlnemHnBm30H7gD~ZELQ7ROnAPJj3m7yg8s-p3m7lC2jeIPUYwcBoa0d0TGFdV2GVmNITfvSJvfJDU-droGnspcyx7yNRUXUZOYCSxrOeMB09iqoKvtsjeMvhHww39ZnPknmzcnh~ZIob5pgCu5bZJWCEiXXf1Z9arNmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michael Gagne, director of Environmental Services, briefed the City Council on July 15 about results from fiscal year 2023–24 and the city’s new Climate Action Plan dashboard and scorecard.

Gagne emphasized three broad goals in the plan — transportation, building efficiency and land use — and highlighted five community accomplishments for FY2023–24: DME’s 100% renewable offering for city customers, a $1 million GreenSense energy‑efficiency rebate program that issued 769 rebates (including HVAC and insulation work targeted at older homes), a 24% diversion rate for solid waste, a nearly 200% increase in social media engagement on climate topics, and an additional 3.2 megawatts of rooftop solar installed in the community between April 2023 and the end of the fiscal year.

Transportation and municipal actions

Gagne noted the municipal fleet has added EVs, six e‑bikes and the city procured an electric fire engine that entered service in April. The city has five public EV charging locations on municipal property and is tracking adoption rates across the service area. Staff told council that public charging needs are high and partly driven by home‑charging access.

On buildings, Gagne said municipal facility upgrades (LED retrofits and HVAC controls) contributed to more than 9% reduction in municipal electric usage year‑over‑year and a 34% drop in municipal water usage compared with the prior year. The GreenSense program prioritized rebates for older housing stock (pre‑2009); 94 of the rebates went to homes older than 2009, staff said.

Land use and equity

Gagne reminded council that compact, shared‑wall multifamily housing tends to be 35–55% more energy‑efficient than single‑family detached construction and presented an example area inside the Loop that grew with a high share of shared‑wall units in recent years. He said the Climate Action Plan aims to avoid concentrating affordable housing in limited neighborhoods and called the GreenSense commitment and siting of affordable housing near services a tool to reduce emissions equitably.

Council questions and staff follow‑up

Council members asked about SolSmart certification (Denton is gold certified and exploring platinum status), barriers to EV adoption, the role of incentives and whether staff could present multi‑year trend lines for key metrics. Gagne said the city will expand the dashboard and scorecard data next year (adding more years of results) and is studying whether a SolSmart platinum path will require community‑level changes or only an administrative update.

What to watch

Staff will return next year with more trend data and with follow‑ups on cost‑of‑service studies (drainage) and solid‑waste initiatives. Council members requested clearer information on how the city’s 100% renewable offering for customers aligns with rate impacts; staff said they would provide side‑by‑side analyses on retail rates and renewability choices.

Why it matters

The Climate Action Plan ties municipal capital projects, community rebates, and land‑use choices together to pursue net‑zero community emissions by 2050. The dashboard is intended to help council track progress, prioritize spending and communicate outcomes to residents.

Next steps

Staff will continue to populate the public dashboard, present a more detailed trend analysis next year and follow up on SolSmart platinum feasibility and the drainage cost‑of‑service study.","Environmental Services updated council on progress toward Denton’s Climate Action Plan, reporting municipal and community accomplishments in FY2023–24 including DME’s 100% renewable energy offering for customers, a $1 million GreenSense efficiency rebate program, a 24% solid‑waste diversion rate and 3.2 MW of rooftop solar added in the year.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6550344,"Denton staff recommend 75% of maximum recoverable for water/wastewater impact fees; public hearing set for Aug. 5",1065,6745000,7810000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9&start=6745&end=7810","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9/thumbnail_6745000.jpg","/articles/6550344/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Denton-staff-recommend-75-of-maximum-recoverable-for-waterwastewater-impact-fees-public-hearing-set-for-Aug-5","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550344-833eaf993658bb1993fc37bad7fcde1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104756&Signature=CL1UIU9OMIiW87UgBgOfnDVsPKzLaVs~7kKY7RgOTK1erkpg4ec9Ipc6S76QVfA3DQELXHOsMlgB2qVH9FYSc~M~52rnh4vUaAqhSNLsNID44PtllwI8xoUtXApByBaAIxy-lKH6QleT81z3VPow~f65u7ZG40OISCiQWn6-CCQYetRJAxWA40caGIHrL1jkblsyadxM6i~m6w3vdhDoT3cPKpl8hSHokLMObXpQf71rUDdgqHdEvNm-PiCeRITGIVY53ts0yIo~2taqpSu8QlY-L1BxuJTI2W5ZMyycdJ9raK5pgxr4jWYU5O8-F34mMA~een8jb12HZCB4~I75BA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Stephen Gay, general manager for Water Utilities and Street Operations, presented an update and proposed amendment to Denton’s water and wastewater impact fees at the July 15 City Council meeting. The proposal would set impact fees at 75% of the maximum recoverable fee calculated under the local government code and the city’s capital plan.

Gay told council that the methodology follows state law (Local Government Code Chapter 395) and standard AWWA guidance for service units, using the 5/8‑inch meter as the single‑family equivalent service unit. The city’s updated capital plan identifies new water and wastewater infrastructure required to support projected growth over a 10‑year horizon; some older projects still contain unused capacity and were treated as existing capacity in the fee calculation.

Staff originally proposed a 100% recoverable fee to the Capital Improvement Advisory Committee (CIAC); after developer feedback in March and July public meetings and the availability of other financing mechanisms — notably WIFIA and committed Texas Water Development Board funding for the Ray Roberts expansion — staff recommended stepping back to 75% of maximum recoverable to balance developer concerns and generational equity.

Key details and council questions

• Fee structure: Staff modeled fees across three water service areas and a single wastewater service area. The 75% recommendation is intended to preserve a balanced approach to growth‑paying‑for‑growth while recognizing financing tools available to the city.
• Developer concerns: Presenters told council developers said high impact fees could impede projects in some areas. Staff reported outreach included a March developer town hall and a July meeting with developers; CIAC had earlier recommended 100% recoverable but did not consider the post‑meeting refinements.
• Financing and timing: Jessica Williams (CFO) and Stephen Gay said the city had an active WIFIA application and a Texas Water Development Board program already in place for the Ray Roberts treatment plant expansion; those programs provide flexibility that informed the 75% recommendation. Gay emphasized impact fees can be re‑examined at least every three years under state law.

Questions from council focused on grandfathering, timing, and alternatives. Staff said impact fees are assessed at platting and collected at permitting; projects already through platting would be assessed at the previously disclosed rate. Staff also explained that if developers build capacity earlier, the city provides impact‑fee credits (a standard credit for developer‑installed infrastructure) and that credits may be structured for affordable or public‑benefit projects following council‑approved policies.

What council did

Council set a public hearing for Aug. 5 to continue the impact‑fee adoption process. Several council members voiced support for staff’s 75% recommendation during discussion; others asked for comparative materials on total all‑in fees (impact fee plus transport/road/park fees) so councilors could judge total development costs per housing unit.

Why it matters

Impact fees are a direct tool to fund growth‑related water/wastewater infrastructure. The balance between fee levels and debt issuance/alternative financing affects both how fast new infrastructure is built and how much of the upfront cost is borne by new development instead of existing ratepayers. Staff emphasized the fee is part of a broader strategy that includes WIFIA and TWDB financing, debt sizing and reserve policy.

Next steps

Staff will hold the public hearing on Aug. 5; following that, council will consider an ordinance to amend the fee schedule. Council members asked staff to provide a single‑page comparison of ‘all in’ development fees and a clearer timeline for grandfathering/plats where petitioners have advanced projects prior to the fee change.","City staff proposed a revised schedule of water and wastewater impact fees July 15, recommending fees equal to 75% of the maximum recoverable amount after evaluating capital needs and developer feedback. Council set a public hearing for Aug. 5 and several members signaled support for the 75% recommendation.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6550348,"Denton staff present preliminary utility budgets; council hears proposal for water, wastewater rate increases and new convenience fee",713,248000,961000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9&start=248&end=961","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5398940-2e484d9b763d8a34b87bf55f4e866fe9/thumbnail_248000.jpg","/articles/6550348/Denton-City/Denton-County/Texas/Denton-staff-present-preliminary-utility-budgets-council-hears-proposal-for-water-wastewater-rate-increases-and-new-convenience-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6550348-50c7d48c419fdf7d76c0f6f51a57efc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771104757&Signature=jZuPNSmbHx9hjwLncOoFnON7n9TJOBWjMdciQ-Sc6IERZ7NialoOV6pJ37DwbivaSRVoaZTPVp2efSCXz0PZMHqwmwL6loaahp7I4ZsRcx~N8ry7dff65b1erl9wdexWbudDbAlGylKfi0qeeNm~oq33xemeGPVHoqA9PlzTt9HH2mur7K0rP1cTs62NLZvx2qcdCiaGFll81JhfLAzE3XBCA8TRsek3ExUA1U7RqijHTZSWTMUHYjNxRdOw4EeOSNO1rcOleKrne~4JGQit4Gnw7Xj8Y3ooH-Ly~tVrqS~YSQ9G5znfStQtlLxuoeCJca9w3RCZoSqs59hMVilwBg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Jessica Williams, the city’s chief financial officer, presented Denton’s preliminary utility budgets for fiscal year 2025–26 to the City Council on July 15, laying out separate forecasts for solid waste, electric (DME), customer service, water, wastewater and drainage.

Williams said the utilities process is intended to look holistically at revenue, reserves and capital. “We are looking at what are we really spending and what do we really need,” she told council. The presentation emphasized efforts to shift more projects from debt funding to revenue funding, reduce discretionary spending and hit multi‑year fund balance targets.

Water and wastewater were the most closely watched items. Williams recommended a 3% retail rate increase for water (residential and commercial) and an 11% increase for wastewater for FY2025–26. She said the city had completed wholesale and retail rate studies, worked with consultant Raftelis and aligned water CIP timing with Texas Water Development Board financing and a pending WIFIA application. “We are going to be looking at tremendous outlays for the Water Fund as we build infrastructure,” she said, noting the water five‑year capital plan included $94.9 million in the current year and significant debt and WIFIA assumptions going forward.

Denton Municipal Electric (DME) General Manager Tony Puente told council DME is not recommending a base rate increase for FY2025–26 but remains subject to ECA (energy cost adjustment) and other riders. DME’s FY2025–26 budget would increase, staff said, driven largely by purchased power; DME expects to strengthen its fund balance through a mix of revenue funding and adjustments to contingency and insurance costs.

Council members asked detailed questions about outage insurance, contingency, DME’s large‑load ECA, and the city’s strategy to return to revenue‑funding vehicle replacements and capital where possible. Puente said staff had recommended not buying certain outage insurance lines because of cost and limited payout terms; the utility will instead rely on contingency funding and conservative forecasting.

Convenience fee proposal

Customer service staff proposed recovering the costs the city currently pays for card and e‑check processing by charging a flat convenience fee on internet, phone and kiosk payments. Williams said the city currently absorbs roughly $1.3 million per year in card‑processing fees; a $2.90 flat fee would recover nearly 100% of that amount based on 2024 volumes, while a $1 fee would recover about $460,000.

Staff asked council for “generalized direction” on whether to pursue a convenience fee and how to structure it. Several council members said they supported recouping costs but asked staff to return with options that would be less regressive — for example, a tiered flat fee by transaction amount or other mitigations to avoid penalizing low‑use or low‑income residents. Councilmember (District 4) specifically asked staff to explore a per‑transaction pass‑through amount rather than a blunt flat fee. Staff said a January 1 effective date would be achievable if council directed staff to proceed; they also noted bank drafts and some recurring payment types would remain fee‑free.

Solid waste, drainage, customer service and other items

• Solid waste: no base rate request; the department identified $980,000 in preliminary reductions and plans to revenue‑fund more vehicle replacements over time.
• DME: no base rate request for FY2025–26; DME projects revenue of roughly $526 million and continues to use ECA and other mechanisms for cost recovery.
• Drainage: staff launched a cost‑of‑service study (kicked off June 27) and noted the Drainage Fee has not changed since 2002 despite large increases in inlets and infrastructure. Staff said future recommendations may include fee adjustments.

What council directed

Council asked staff to return with more detailed options on the convenience‑fee structure — including possible tiered or amount‑based fees and clearer estimates of collection and delinquency impacts — and to continue the multi‑year work to align CIP, WIFIA/TWDB financing and reserve targets for water/wastewater. Several council members expressed support for the proposed water and wastewater increases in principle but asked staff to model the impacts under alternative federal/state funding scenarios.

Why it matters

Denton faces major capital needs for water, wastewater and electric infrastructure tied to growth. Staff told council they are trying to balance affordability for ratepayers with long‑term debt strategy and the city’s credit position. Council’s direction on convenience‑fee design and the water/wastewater rate path will shape budget proposals returned during the August–September budget workshops.

Next steps

Staff will bring the full capital improvement program and updated rate proposals to council workshops later this summer, with the budget and tax‑rate hearing set for Sept. 16, 2025.","City Finance and utility managers presented preliminary FY2025–26 utility budgets July 15. Staff recommended a 3% increase to retail water rates and an 11% increase to wastewater rates, proposed a flat convenience fee for online/phone/kiosk card payments and outlined capital plans tied to WIFIA and TWDB funding.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council grants specific‑use permit to Palladium for 120‑unit mixed‑income multifamily near Evers Park

Council approves tax rebates for two Denton expansions — US Cold Storage and PanelRite gypsum plant

Denton updates Climate Action Plan dashboard; cites energy, efficiency and recycling gains

Denton staff recommend 75% of maximum recoverable for water/wastewater impact fees; public hearing set for Aug. 5

Denton staff present preliminary utility budgets; council hears proposal for water, wastewater rate increases and new convenience fee