The Snowflake Town Council agreed June 13 to continue the town’s participation in the Little Colorado River Water Coalition involving litigation over water rights on the Little Colorado River between communities and Native American tribes.
The discussion revolved around the nearly 40-year fight over water rights that has seen little in the way of resolution and the cost of continued litigation that would impact residents.
The decision to continue as part of the litigation means an additional $3 to resident water bills, which will already see a hike of $1 for cost of services plus 50 cents to accommodate credit card fees. This additional cost will bring the base fee from $17.93 to $22.43 per household beginning next month.
The decision was made by majority vote with Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard, Councilmen Cory Johnson, Byron Lewis and Hunter Lewis, and Councilwoman Allison Perkins voting in favor, and Mayor Lynn Johnson and Councilman Terril Kay voting against the measure. The mayor and Kay opposed the matter due to the added cost that would be imposed upon the residents in order to continue participation in the coalition.
A public hearing on the comprehensive fee schedule drew no comment from the public. The changes include the water fees mentioned above, as well as the addition of agriculture business license costs ranging from $10,000 to $30,000 per acre.
Impound fee increases of $15 plus an additional fee of $5 per day for each day after are part of the changes, as well as an increase in planning and zoning subdivision fees, and changes to golf course fees.
