A recent public hearing was held to address changes regarding the City of Rochester's city water ordinance.

Eric Walsh, a partner for Baker Tilly, explained changes and tried to clear up concerns about the newest city water ordinance, during an othe hearing at the Rochester City Council meeting Tuesday, August 24, in the Rochester City Building Complex.

Walsh specializes in serving local governments and public utilities. 

Mayor Ted Denton agreed with Walsh, saying Rochester was behind the times by not having a developmental fee for incoming businesses. Walsh says the fee would be much less for housing development than it would for commercial property, essentially making it growth paying for growth. 

Other changed items in the ordinance include updated fees, which increase the call-out rate for after-hours or weekend calls, an increased rate in commercial sprinkler rates that will depend on the size of the sprinkler system, and a slight increase for outside city customers.