JCC Notebook: Supes Raise Independent Water Fee, Water Restrictions Start Soon and More

Friday, April 29, 2011

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 this week to increase the independent water connection fee from $4,000 to $8,000.

The fee is charged for new homes that are outside the current water and sewer connection area. Homes built outside the area need to have their own independent water systems, and the fee that owners pay to the county goes toward maintenance costs. The county recently examined its fee structure and found the current system doesn’t cover all the associated costs.

The Board had two options to consider and they chose one that allows the county to collect the fee as soon as a development or lot is platted. Supervisors Mary Jones and Bruce Goodson voted against the option, and preferred one that would have spread out the fee over time.

Though developments already approved won’t need to pay the increased fee, some supervisors were irritated that new development Liberty Ridge off Centerville Road managed to get grandfathered in under the old fee because the Board took so long to decide on the issue.

Visit the James City Service Authority web page for details and contact information.

Water Use Regulations Start Soon

The annual outdoor water use regulations for James City Service Authority (JCSA) water customers begin May 1 and continue until September 30. The regulations help manage demand during the summer months where water usage increases due to outdoor water use activities.

JCSA customers can use water outdoors for any purpose, at any time, on any day, as long as it is with a container or a hose with an automatic shutoff nozzle. The hose must be attended at all times. Any other method of outdoor water use must follow the outdoor water use schedule.

JCSA customers with odd addresses can use water outdoors between midnight and 9 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and midnight on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Customers with even addresses can use water outdoors at the same times on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Outdoor water use is not permitted between 9 a.m.-5 p.m or on Mondays.

Visit the county’s website for details. Residents may also call the Outdoor Water Info Line at 259-4152 for a recorded message or JCSA Customer Service at 253-6800.

Parks and Recreation News

During its recent meeting, James City County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commissioners approved a resolution to recognize May is Bike Month. Bike Month is designed to increase awareness of cycling as a viable and environmentally-sound form of transportation, an excellent form of fitness and an outdoor opportunity for family recreation.

Also during the meeting, the commission chairman Craig Metcalfe presented outgoing commissioner Mark Wenger with a resolution and plaque of appreciation (see photo). During his six-year tenure, Wenger lead many of the community efforts to improve park and recreation programs and facilities.