TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Public Works |
Chris Stenger (Interim Director) |
425-403-5510 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Public Works |
Ernest Fix |
Utility Division Manager |
|
Public Works |
Aaron Moldver |
Environmental Services Manager |
|
Public Works |
Shilpa Mehta |
Utility Engineering Supervisor |
TITLE:
title
Septic to Sewer Feasibility Program Discussion
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
The City Council approved $250,000 in the 2025-2026 budget to fund initial actions to start developing a program to convert parcels using on-site septic systems to public sewer service. A study was performed to frame the current conditions, identify key challenges, and develop strategies for long-term implementation. The study evaluated approximately 400 properties in the City that use septic systems, reviewed current City policies, estimated the cost of converting these properties to City sewer service for both the City and homeowners, and evaluated different program options based on factors like funding, administration, phasing, and homeowner participation.
Based on the analysis, the study identifies program options to guide the City’s approach to implementing an equitable septic-to-sewer conversion program.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☒ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
o RMCA 13.04.030
• Required:
o N/A
• Council Request:
o November 19, 2024: Council adopted the 2025-26 budget, approving $250,000 (one time) to perform the Septic to Sewer Conversion Plan study.
• Other Key Facts:
o N/A
OUTCOMES:
A Septic-to-Sewer Conversion Program could provide future options for extending sewer service to areas that currently rely on septic systems. This discussion is intended to provide information that will help inform potential future decisions, rather than establish a program at this time. More detailed analysis anticipated in late 2027 and early 2028 would help evaluate potential program approaches, costs, funding options, benefits, and impacts, with the potential to inform programs or solutions for implementation in the 2030s.
A future program could benefit both the City and property owners by improving environmental protection and public health, providing more centralized wastewater treatment and management, reducing the need for costly septic repairs and replacements, potentially increasing property values, and supporting the City’s housing and density goals. Any future program would require careful consideration of equity among ratepayers, property-owner impacts, long-term costs and benefits, funding sources, and alignment with City priorities.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
o N/A
• Outreach Methods and Results:
o N/A
• Feedback Summary:
o N/A
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$250,000
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
000262
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
A request to fund implementation of a Septic to Sewer program may be included in the 2029-30 budget, pending policy direction.
Funding source(s):
Wastewater Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
11/2/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
N/A |
None proposed at this time |
N/A |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Presentation