During public comment at the Dec. 9 Troutdale City Council meeting, a local business owner raised detailed concerns about how the city calculates system development charges (SDCs) and water‑use equivalencies for restaurants.

The commenter (identified in the meeting only as a local restaurant owner) said the city's methodology—currently using seat counts and seating categories—results in inconsistent charges across similar businesses and argued the city should move to a fairer, more uniform calculation method (for example, basing charges on square footage or a measured water‑use equivalent). He said the discrepancy had cost his business significantly: "After 17 years, it's $70,000. The city already overcharged me," he said in the statement read in the chamber.

Council and staff acknowledged the complaint as an active staff project. A staff member said the city is working with capital improvement staff and that a change to a square‑footage or equivalent residential unit approach for restaurants is under consideration. Staff also said Travis (a named staff member) is working on the matter and that staff will continue outreach to impacted businesses.

Councilors and staff did not take formal action at the meeting but said they would keep the topic open for review and potential future agenda placement.