Boardwalk Tap Fee Discount 2.0
- 11 hours ago
- 3 min read
Another Discount - It appears the boardwalk developer somehow got approved for another deep discount on water sewer connection fees for the current project underway on the boardwalk, i.e. phase 3B (between Beach Shop and bathrooms).
Preface - Before I get into the details, I want to make it clear, I’m not accusing anyone of wrong doing because I have not seen specific evidence of that at this point. If we have a policy or ordinance that allows large water sewer discounts to happen without public knowledge or a Council vote that needs to end today!
Background - In June of 2024 I posted that the Boardwalk Developer was given a large discount on water/sewer hookup fees referred to phase 3A (Drift & Muse and 9 condos). I recently requested an update on the new development (phase 3B) and received documentation showing what looks like another HUGE discount (I estimate it could be nearly $100k or more). The reason I asked about the new phase was due to the recent proposed water sewer increase where we were told part of the budget shortfall was due to less connection fees collected. What the document appears to reveal is disappointing.
Below are some highlights and a timeline.
March 2023 Council passed ordinance 744 which amended article 21 to increase water sewer connection fees which more than doubled; residential $13,500 and commercial $41,250 LINK https://library.municode.com/va/colonial_beach/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH21WASE_ARTVIFESECH_S21-81SECOFERE
After additional attempts to find out how many water meters were installed in the first phase (3A) I finally got an answer in June of 2024 (9 months after my first request).
My blog announcing the developer was only required to put in one water meter and paid $15k. LINK https://www.williams4cb.com/post/boardwalk-tap-fees-15k-with-only-one-connection
On March 13, 2026 I requested documentation for water/ sewer connections for the newest phase 3B and I received a document with an agreement showing $12k for 1 water commercial connection (for 2 retail shops) and water 1 residential connection for 12 condos which I estimate should have totaled $58k*. (Link below)
The document also revealed only 2 meters installed for 14 units and appears not to include sewer fees.
Phase 3B started sometime in 2025 but it appears deeply discounted connection fees were negotiated 2 years prior.
As a follow up I asked how much was billed for sewer and the amounts paid and the reply was no actual fees have been paid or collected as of April 3rd 2026.
The discount for 3A was around $54k at 2022 rates.
If the same deal for 3A was or is granted for 3B the fees would total roughly $30k and the going rate today is $143k which is a $113k difference.
Water sewer bills are estimated to go up by nearly $100 yearly in 2026.
To be clear, I do not blame anyone for asking for discounts but the power and decision to grant them should be done in public by Council in my opinion.
Additional Research needed – There are many questions that still need to be answered but I promise you will have them in the coming weeks. Who is authorized to grant discounts? What are the limits of any discounts that can be granted? Who else is getting discounts and who approved the discounts? What residents and businesses are not paying water sewer bills per unit? Why are condos and other residents being approved without separate water meters?
* If I receive any corrections or additional documentation I will provide updates.
Councilman David Williams
Please email or call with questions or comments:
540-604-4335
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