Resident questions large water and sewer connection fees for Sunset Lane parcel

A Port Orchard resident asked the council for clarity about water and sewer connection charges after being told the costs to connect utilities to her property would be substantial. The speaker identified the parcel by assessor number and said the property had served her family since a homestead in 1925 and that an existing cast-iron water line and nearby sewer stub had been in place. She said city staff told her her front footage of 239 feet triggered an “additional fee” and that she was told a total of $28,151 for both sewer and water. She later cited larger totals she described as about $108,000 and other figures; the transcript contains conflicting amounts and the resident requested a clear “basis of calculation” and clarification on how the fees would be spent. The resident said she contacted the project manager about a sewer extension during recent construction and that the city initially told her a utility pole would be placed; she said the engineer later confirmed a sewer line was being installed but that it was too late for her to file permits to attach. The resident said she and five neighbors already connect to that line and said requiring an engineered extension of Sunset Lane to the edge of her property would make the project unaffordable. Her time expired during the first public comment period; the mayor indicated she could return for additional time later. The transcript shows no formal council response or staff clarification on the record during this meeting.