CITY OF VICTOR – VICTOR IDAHO WASTEWATER RECLAMATION FACILITY – FACILITY PLAN AMENDMENT

 The City of Victor will hold a Public Meeting for the Victor Idaho Wastewater Reclamation Facility - Facility Plan Amendment on Wednesday July 22nd, 2026 at 6 P.M. as part of the City Council Meeting at the Victor City Hall, 138 N. Main St., Victor ID 83455. Information will be provided regarding proposed wastewater projects that are to be considered as alternatives from the facility plan. A copy of the planning study is available at the Victor City Hall and on the City Website for review by residents.

The Victor ID WWTP Facility Planning Amendment is available to review. 

The City of Victor will hold a Public Meeting for the Victor Idaho Wastewater Reclamation Facility  - Facility Plan Amendment on Wednesday July 22th, 2026 at 6 P.M

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Victor Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 138 N Main, Suite 201, Victor, Idaho, on Thursday, August 20, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the following:

LU2026-06 Annexation - 930 W 7800 S - Valley

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for annexation of a 2.8-acre parcel at 930 W 7800 S, Victor, Idaho and assign it a zoning district. The property is currently zoned Teton County: AOI-2.5 Zone 1. The property is identified by parcel number: RP03N45E026014. The commission is a recommending body on this application.

LU2026-07 Rezoning – 8235 Baseline and Aspen - Kunz

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for rezoning to RS-7 on 56.04 acres at the 8235 Baseline Road and Aspen St, Victor, Idaho. The property is zoned RS-16 Residential Single Family. The property is identified by parcel number: RPB3N45E123202, RPB3N45E123300, RPB3N45E123011, RPB3N45E016044, RPB3N45E016033, RPB3N45E016022, and RPB3N45E016013. The commission is the recommending body on this application.

LU2026-08 Variance - 222 W Center – Love

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for several variances on 1.26 acres at 222 W Center St, Victor, Idaho. The property is zoned RM-2 Residential Multi-Family. The property is identified by parcel number: RPB00870110340 and RPB00870110291. The commission is the decisionmaker on this application.

The public is invited to attend and testify regarding the proposed action or written comment may also be submitted to the City. Written comments may be submitted any time prior to the hearing by e-mail to planner@victoridaho.gov, or mailed to PO Box 122 Victor, ID 83455. Write comments received by 5:00pm on July 6, 2026, will be posted with the staff report. Write comments received after that will be shared with the Commission but review cannot be guaranteed.   You may also present your comments in-person at the hearing July 14, 2026 at 7:00 PM, each person will be limited to no more than 3 minutes to speak. The Commission is required to base its decision on the criteria of approval for the application type outlined in the Title 10 Land Development Code. For this reason, although feedback is welcome, public comment relating specifically to the criteria is what would be considered.

Please contact the City with any questions regarding the hearing or to request communication aids, services, or other accommodations to participate.

Se invita al público a asistir y testificar en relación con la acción propuesta o también se pueden presentar comentarios por escrito a la Ciudad. Póngase en contacto con el ayuntamiento si desea solicitar ayudas para la comunicación, servicios u otras adaptaciones para su participación. 

Al ser solicitada, ésta notificación puede ser proveída en un formato fácil de usar para personas con discapacidad y/o personas con conocimientos limitados del Inglés.

City of Victor, P.O. Box 122, 138 N. Main St. Suite 201, Victor, ID 83455

The P&Z will hold public hearings for LU2026-06, LU2026-07, and LU2026-08

Legal Public Notice for Planning & Zoning Commission

The City of Victor will be closing Victor City Park today July 20, from 2:00 PM to 9:00 AM on Tuesday July 21, to allow for a scheduled herbicide application to all grass areas.

For the safety of park visitors, please do not enter the park during this time. The park will reopen once the application has been completed and it is safe for public use.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Sherman Park Closed for Herbicide Application

Victor City Council Appoints Sue Muncaster to Serve as Mayor

VICTOR, Idaho (July 10, 2026)—The Victor City Council voted 3–0 on Wednesday, July 8, to appoint Councilmember Sue Muncaster to serve as mayor following the resignation of Mayor Will Frohlich, effective July 1. Her appointment will run through the remainder of the current mayoral term, ending in 2027.

Under Idaho law, when a mayoral vacancy occurs, the City Council is responsible for filling the position by appointment rather than through a special election. The Council chose to appoint from within to ensure continuity in City operations, maintain established working relationships with staff, and provide steady leadership as the City advances several significant initiatives, including wastewater planning, infrastructure investments, housing and affordability, and the upcoming update of Victor’s Comprehensive Plan.

“Residents deserve confidence that their government is focused on solving problems, delivering services, and preparing Victor for the future,” said Acting Mayor Stacy Hulsing. “The Council believed Sue’s experience, collaborative leadership, and understanding of the challenges before us make her the right person to provide that leadership. This appointment allows the City to stay focused on the work that matters most to our residents.”

Councilmember Amy Ross had also been nominated for the position but withdrew her name from consideration prior to the vote, allowing the Council to complete the appointment without extending the process by an additional two weeks.

“The days leading up to July 8 were a flurry of letters, emails, and conversations with Council in support of both Amy and me,” Muncaster said. “That level of engagement shows how deeply people care about Victor. Amy’s decision to withdraw her nomination was an act of public service that allowed the City to move beyond the appointment process and return its focus to the work ahead. I am grateful for her courage and for her continued service on the Council.”

Muncaster has served on the Victor City Council since 2021. Her professional background includes more than 30 years as an entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, communications consultant, facilitator, and advocate for communities shaped by outdoor recreation, tourism, growth, and environmental stewardship. She recently served as executive director of the Teton Leadership Center, is a board member of the Teton Regional Economic Coalition, and has worked with the George Washington University Institute for Tourism Studies on destination stewardship and community planning initiatives.

In remarks following her appointment, Muncaster said Victor’s immediate priorities extend beyond day-to-day operations to strengthening public confidence in local government.

“Our job is to run the City efficiently while helping heal a divided community,” Muncaster said. “Victor needs leadership that welcomes debate before decisions are made, communicates clearly after decisions are made, and helps the community move forward once lawful decisions have been reached. Criticism of elected officials comes with the job. Harassment of public employees does not. Our staff and consultants deserve accountability, but they also deserve respect.”

Muncaster said her priorities include strengthening communication with residents, supporting professional staff, improving public understanding of City decisions, rebuilding trust with regional partners, and helping Victor navigate major issues related to growth, infrastructure, affordability, wastewater, and quality of life.

She also announced plans to expand communication through regular community coffee gatherings, newsletters, joint town halls with the City of Driggs, and more proactive updates from the mayor and department heads so residents better understand not only the decisions being made, but how and why those decisions are reached.

“Our success will not be measured by balanced budgets or completed projects,” Muncaster said. “It will be measured by whether Victor and Teton Valley remain livable, grounded, welcoming, and wild in the best sense of the word. That means putting people and place first, protecting the character and natural beauty of our community, supporting local businesses and working families, and ensuring growth pays its own way so Victor remains a place where people can afford to live, work, raise children, and enjoy the extraordinary landscape that brought so many of us here.”

Muncaster’s appointment creates a vacancy on the Victor City Council. The City will announce the application process and timeline for filling the vacant council seat in accordance with Idaho law and City procedures in the coming weeks.

For more information, visit victoridaho.gov

ROAD CLOSURES FOR STREET MAINTENANCE ON July 8th, 2026.

All watering of lawns is prohibited on the 7th and 8th. 

On Wednesday, July 8th starting at 7:30 A.M. the City will be applying a microseal surface treatment as part of the street maintenance program) This asphalt maintenance is being funded by your roadway levy money. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation as we work to maintain our streets and extend the life of our roadway system. 

Public Works Dept will be sweeping roads Tuesday July 7th in preparation of the treatment. The following streets will be closed for the maintenance between 7:30 A.M.- (July 7th) until late afternoon on July 8th:

The maintenance crews will need full access to the roadways. Any vehicle that is parked on these streets after 8:00 A.M. will be towed at the owner's expense. 

The roadways need to be dry and cannot be sprayed during application. Please turn off all of the sprinklers on this day. City Staff may enter your property to shut down the sprinklers. 

1. DO NOT DRIVE on fresh oil until barricades are opened by city staff.

2. TRASH/RECYCLE CONTAINERS MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE STREET.

3. If you plan to be out of town, DO NOT leave vehicles and/or trailers parked on the street.

4. The product should readily wash off vehicle fenders, etc., with soapy water if cleaned soon after       contact. If not removed quickly, it may be necessary to use a petroleum-based solvent.

5. Drivers are cautioned not to drive on the fresh Oil prior to opening of the streets.

6. The City of Victor will not be responsible for the removal or clean-up of the product tracked onto private property, floor coverings, vehicles, etc.

7. Avoid outdoor water use during work to prevent damage to the new surface. 

CITY OF VICTOR ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION PROCESS FOLLOWING MAYORAL RESIGNATION

Victor, Idaho (June 24, 2026) — The City of Victor today announced the process that will guide the transition of municipal leadership following Mayor Will Frohlich’s resignation, effective July 1, 2026.

Mayor Frohlich has issued a separate statement regarding his decision to resign. The City extends its appreciation for his service and contributions to the Victor community during his tenure.

Will Frohlich has served the City of Victor for more than a decade, beginning with appointments to the Victor Planning and Zoning Commission and the Victor Urban Renewal Agency before his election to the Victor City Council in 2015. During his tenure, Mayor Frohlich prioritized long-term infrastructure planning, including efforts to secure Victor's water and wastewater future, and provided steady leadership as Victor navigated a period of population growth and development pressures in Teton Valley. The City thanks Mayor Frohlich for his years of public service and his commitment to Victor's future.

Under Idaho law, the City Council President assumes the role of Acting Mayor upon the effective resignation of the Mayor. At its July 1 meeting, the City Council will formally recognize Council President Stacy Hulsing as Acting Mayor and consider next steps in the appointment process.

The City Council is expected to appoint an interim mayor from among its current members at its regular meeting on July 8. The appointment process is established by Idaho law and is designed to ensure continuity of governance while providing opportunities for public participation.

If a current councilmember is appointed interim mayor, that appointment will create a vacancy on the City Council. The City intends to fill that vacancy through a public application and interview process.

July 1, 2026 • City Council formally recognizes Acting Mayor • Council reviews transition process and timeline

July 8, 2026 • City Council considers appointment of an interim mayor • Council initiates process to fill resulting council vacancy

[Anticipated mid-July] • Council vacancy application period opens

[Anticipated late-July] • Application period closes

[Anticipated early-August] • Public interviews with qualified applicants

[To Be Announced] • Appointment and confirmation of new councilmember

The City encourages residents interested in public service to participate in the process and follow upcoming announcements regarding application requirements and deadlines.

A dedicated webpage containing timelines, meeting information, application materials, and frequently asked questions will be available at: Victor City Council 

Residents may also sign up for updates at: Sign Up For City News

The City of Victor remains fully operational throughout this transition. City services, projects, and public meetings will continue without interruption.

An FAQ pages regarding the Mayoral transition and Council vacancy process has been created to help answer some immediate questions. Additional information regarding the transition process will be provided at the July 1 City Council meeting and posted online as it becomes available. 

Mayor Frohlich Announces Resignation

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Victor Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 138 N Main, Suite 201, Victor, Idaho, on TUESDAY, July 14, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the following:

Public Hearing: SD2026-08 Short Plat – 96 W Birch St. – Huckleberry Ridge Dev LLC

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for short plat of a 0.75-acre parcel at 96 W. Birch St, Victor, Idaho into 5 lots. The property is zoned RM-1 Residential Multi-family. The property is identified by parcel number: RPB01290060040. The commission is the recommending body on this application.

Public Hearing: LU2026-04 Code Text Amendment – Art 12 – Thompson

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for a code text amendment to Article 12 of the Land Development Code to create exemptions for water connections. The commission is the recommending body on this application.

Kimberly Kolner, Planning and Zoning Director

The P&Z will hold a public hearing for LU2026-04 a code text amendment and SD2026-08 a short plat application. 

Legal Notice for Planning & Zoning Commission

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Victor Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 138 N Main, Suite 201, Victor, Idaho, on TUESDAY, June 16, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the following:

Public Hearing: LU2026-03 Annexation/Zoning – 1513 Abigale Lane – Teton Valley Resort LLC

The commission with hold a public hearing to consider an application to annex a 12.19-acre parcel at 1513 Abigale Ln, Victor Idaho with a request to assign REC – Park and Recreation zoning. The property is identified by parcel number: RP03N45E107900. The property is zoned Teton County AOI-2.5 Zone 1. The commission is the recommending body on this application.

The public is invited to attend and testify regarding the proposed action or written comment may also be submitted to the City. Written comments may be submitted any time prior to the hearing by e-mail to planner@victoridaho.gov, or mailed to PO Box 122 Victor, ID 83455. Write comments received by 5:00pm on June 8, 2026, will be posted with the staff report. Write comments received after that will be shared with the Commission but review cannot be guaranteed.   You may also present your comments in-person at the hearing June 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM, each person will be limited to no more than 3 minutes to speak. The Commission is required to base its decision on the criteria of approval for the application type outlined in the Title 10 Land Development Code. For this reason, although feedback is welcome, public comment relating specifically to the criteria is what would be considered.

The Commission will hear LU2026-03 Annexation and zoning

Legal Notice of Public Hearing for Planning & Zoning Commission

Starting June 1st thru June 5th, there will be a road closure on S 1000 West. Please make sure to plan your alternate route now. Look for the road closure signs in this area. See the attached map. 

Road Closure and Detour

Victor City Council, City of Victor, Idaho

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Victor City Council will hold a public hearing at 138 N Main, Suite 201, Victor, Idaho, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the following:

LU2026-01 Annexation & LU2026-02 Rezoning – Birch to Baseline – D&B Partners, LLC

City Council will hold a public hearing to consider a joint application for annexation of 13.38 acres, located between Birch Street and Baseline Ave, Victor, Idaho identified by parcel numbers: RP03N45E110100 (5 ac.), RP03N45110500 (3 ac.), RP03N45E110400 (5.38 ac.) and requesting initial zoning of RS-3 Single & Two Family and RM-1 & RM-2 Residential Multi-Family. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the annexation with RS-7 Single & Two-Family for the whole site. City Council is the decisionmaker on this application.

Written comments may be submitted any time prior to the hearing by e-mail to planner@victoridaho.gov, or mailed to PO Box 122 Victor, ID 83455. Write comments received by 5:00pm on May 19, 2026, will be posted with the staff report. Write comments received after that will be shared with City Council but review cannot be guaranteed.   You may also present your comments in-person at the hearing May 27, 2026 at 6:00 PM, each person will be limited to no more than 3 minutes to speak. The Victor City Council is required to base its decision on the criteria of approval for the application type outlined in the Title 10 Land Development Code. For this reason, although feedback is welcome, public comment relating specifically to the criteria is what would be considered.

Council will hear a joint application LU2026-01 Annexation & LU2026-02 Rezoning

Legal Notice of Public Hearing for City Council

Teton County Fire and Rescue Station 2 Open House

Now What? Moving Forward on Victor’s Wastewater Plan

Over the past week, many of you have seen the news that the City of Victor will not be moving forward with the Evans property as the site for a future wastewater treatment facility. I want to take a moment to speak to what that means, and just as importantly, what it does not.

First, this does not change the responsibility in front of us. Victor still needs a long-term wastewater solution. We are still working under external timelines. And we remain committed to delivering a system that is reliable, compliant, and serves this community for decades to come.

What has changed is one piece of how we get there.

The Evans parcel was identified as a strong option based on a range of engineering and siting criteria for the City’s clear water initiative. It aligned well with how our system functions today and offered efficiencies in infrastructure, operations, and long-term cost. It was never the only option, but it was the best one we had identified.

Before the Evans parcel was identified, City staff and our engineering team had already conducted high-level screening of several other potential sites. These were early evaluations using publicly available data and not detailed engineering studies, but enough to understand which locations might work and which clearly wouldn’t.

With the Evans parcel no longer an immediate solution, we are returning to that work.

We are now re-engaging with our engineers to evaluate alternative sites more closely. As we do that, we will be applying the same criteria that guided our earlier work, including:

How much on-site and off-site infrastructure each option would require

Whether the site works with gravity flow and our existing system

Proximity to utilities such as sewer, water, and power

Environmental considerations, including floodplains, canals, waterways, and required setbacks

Compatibility with nearby homes and surrounding land uses

Long-term operational reliability and financial efficiency

At a practical level, there are only a small number of sites that meet these criteria. Based on what we know today, we are likely evaluating two to three viable options.

Each requires additional engineering and legal analysis before we can move forward with confidence. That process could take several weeks at the earliest and may extend further depending on what we learn.

In parallel, there are other factors affecting the overall project timeline. Engineering and design work beyond the preliminary stage is already expected to pause into the summer due to the judicial confirmation process. Once a new site is selected, portions of the engineering work will need to be updated to reflect that location.

What this means is that while this change may introduce some delay, the project was already operating within a timeline that included key decision points later this year.

The Evans parcel was optimal across nearly every factor, including cost. Other sites are more likely to require additional infrastructure, which can increase overall project cost.

As a general rule of thumb, each additional $1 million in capital cost translates to roughly $1 per month on a typical wastewater bill. That is one of the reasons site selection matters so much, and why we are approaching this next phase carefully.

While losing the Evans site for now is not ideal, it does bring a level of clarity. As we move forward, we will be working within more direct and established legal and regulatory frameworks for site selection. That allows us to focus more directly on feasibility, acquisition, and delivery.

The City worked with the property owners in good faith throughout the process. Ultimately, they made the decision not to proceed. Decisions related to personal financial matters are specific to the property owners and are best addressed by them. We respect that decision and the relationship we have built through this process.

There has also been speculation that this change means Victor will return to a regional wastewater solution. At this time, we do not believe a regional solution solves for Victor's needs nor do we believe it would be anymore cost efficient. Previous discussions did not result in an agreement, and we have not received any indication that those conditions have changed.

Our responsibility is to continue advancing a solution that we can deliver. Our commitment is to keep moving forward, to do so thoughtfully, and to communicate clearly as decisions are made. We expect to provide a more formal update to the Council and the public in early June as this next phase of site evaluation progresses.

There is still work ahead. But the direction remains the same. Thanks for all your questions, comments, and support.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Victor Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing at 138 N Main, Suite 201, Victor, Idaho, on Thursday, May 21, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the following:

Continued Item: Public Hearing: LU2025-14 Conditional Use Permit– 545 Cemetery Road – Sweet Hollow Farm LLC

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider a conditional use permit for Guest/Dude Ranch at 545 Victor Cemetery Rd, Victor, Idaho identified by the northern 6.63 aces of parcel number: RPB00277000010. The property is zoned RS-7 Single-Family & Two Family and REC Parks & Recreation. The commission is the decisionmaker on this application.

Public Hearing: SD2026-04 Concept Plan – 274 Cedron Road - Teton Valley Resort LLC

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for Concept Plan to create 8-lot subdivision at 274 Cedron Road, Victor Idaho containing 2.4 acres, identified by parcel number: RPB00870110050. The property is zoned RM-2 Residential Multi Family. The commission is the recommending body on this application.

Public Hearing: SD2026-07 Short Plat – Lot 5B Block 1 Airport Additions, Fir St – Otto Clark-Martinek

The commission will hold a public hearing to consider an application for Short Plat to create 2 parcels at Lot 5B Block 1 Airport Addition, Victor Idaho containing 0.24 acres, identified by parcel number: RPB0101001005B. The property is zoned RS-3 Single-Family and Two Family. The commission is the recommending body on this application.

The public is invited to attend and testify regarding the proposed action or written comment may also be submitted to the City. Written comments may be submitted any time prior to the hearing by e-mail to planner@victoridaho.gov, or mailed to PO Box 122 Victor, ID 83455. Write comments received by 5:00pm on March 13, 2026, will be posted with the staff report. Write comments received after that will be shared with the Commission but review cannot be guaranteed.   You may also present your comments in-person at the hearing May 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM, each person will be limited to no more than 3 minutes to speak. The Commission is required to base its decision on the criteria of approval for the application type outlined in the Title 10 Land Development Code. For this reason, although feedback is welcome, public comment relating specifically to the criteria is what would be considered.

The Commission will hold public hearing for LU2025-14 Conditional Use Permit, SD2026-04 Concept Plan, and SD2026-07 Short Plat

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of Victor, Idaho will hold a public hearing for consideration of a proposed amendment to the fiscal year 2026 budget. The hearing will be held at the Victor City Hall, 138 N Main St Suite 201 at 6:00 p.m. on April 22, 2026. The proposed amendment reflects the use of reserve balances and anticipated revenue.

At said hearing any interested person may appear and show cause, if any he has, why such proposed appropriations ordinance amendment should or should not be adopted. Written comment can be submitted to jasmineg@victoridaho.gov City Hall is accessible to persons with disabilities. Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities, please contact City Hall, 208-274-7082, at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing.

More information can be found on the staff report from April 8. Please note that the council has directed $1,000,000 of the purchase of land to be drawn from the general fund instead of the sewer fund until more information on the sewer plant's need is determined. A full staff report outlining this change will be available April 16.

Budget Amendment O651 Amending O640

In the previous issue of Wastewater Matters, we explained the planning-level capital costs associated with constructing a locally controlled wastewater treatment facility. A natural follow-up question residents are asking is: 

What does this investment mean for monthly sewer bills? 

This article explains how sewer rates are calculated, what the current rates cover, and what preliminary modeling suggests future rates could look like as the City moves forward with a new wastewater facility. 

Victor’s sewer utility operates as an enterprise fund, meaning the system is funded by user fees rather than general tax revenue. 

For FY2026, the proposed sewer fund budget is approximately $2.19 million, compared with $2.2 million in FY2025. 

Victor currently has approximately 1,765 equivalent residential units (ERUs) connected to the sewer system. Based on the current budget and user base, the monthly sewer rate is $98.47 per month per ERU. 

This rate supports the existing system, including sewer collection infrastructure, staffing, and treatment costs currently paid to the City of Driggs. 

Sewer rates are designed to cover the full cost of operating and maintaining the wastewater system. In general, sewer utility budgets include three major categories: 

Debt service, which repays borrowed funds used to construct infrastructure 

Operating costs, such as power, testing, equipment maintenance, and plant operations 

System maintenance and replacement, which ensures pipes, lift stations, and other infrastructure continue to function reliably over time 

Sewer utility funds are restricted by law. Revenue collected through sewer bills can only be used to operate and maintain the sewer system. Sewer fees do not fund roads, parks, or other city services. 

What Changes With a New Wastewater Facility 

Under a locally controlled wastewater treatment facility, several costs within the sewer system would shift. The City would continue maintaining its existing sewer collection system and staffing structure. However, the current payment made to the City of Driggs for treatment services would be replaced by operating and financing costs associated with Victor’s own facility. 

Preliminary modeling includes several major components: 

Plant operating expenses estimated at approximately $300,000 per year 

Debt service associated with constructing the facility 

The plant operations estimate reflects operating expenses only. Salaries and capital financing are accounted for separately within the model. 

Based on current planning-level estimates, preliminary modeling suggests the following potential rate range. 

If the project cost were approximately $35 million, the modeled monthly sewer rate would be about $138.96 per month. 

If the project cost were approximately $30 million, the modeled monthly sewer rate would be about $126.45 per month. 

For context, the current rate is $98.47 per month. 

These modeled scenarios represent an increase of roughly $28 to $40 per month, depending on final construction cost and financing terms. 

The rate model does not assume or rely on any future growth. Sewer rates must be projected using only the existing customer base to ensure they are sustainable without new development.  

As additional homes and businesses connect to the system, the cost of infrastructure is distributed across a larger number of users, which helps moderate individual monthly rates. 

Grant funding can also play a significant role in reducing the cost borne by local ratepayers. 

Based on the current model, every $1 million in grant funding could reduce monthly sewer rates by approximately $2.50 per household. $5 million in grant funding could reduce monthly rates by roughly $12.50 per month. 

The City is actively pursuing grant and low-interest financing opportunities to reduce the overall cost of the project where possible. 

These figures are preliminary modeling scenarios, not final rates. Several factors will influence the final cost of the project and the resulting sewer rates, including: 

Interest rates at the time financing is secured 

Before any final financing decision is made, the City will present a detailed public rate model and discuss the financial implications in an open Council meeting. 

Wastewater infrastructure is a long-term investment in community reliability, environmental protection, and public health. By moving forward with a locally controlled wastewater facility, Victor will take responsibility for operating and maintaining the infrastructure that protects local water quality and serves the community. As engineering and financing details become clearer, the City will continue sharing information with residents about the financial aspects of the project. 

Wastewater Finances: What It Means for Sewer Bills 

Many of you saw the news that the City of Victor has filed a lawsuit related to our long-standing wastewater agreement with the City of Driggs. Because wastewater service affects every household and business in Victor, I want to take a moment to explain why the City took this step.

Victor and Driggs share a close and long-standing relationship. Our communities are deeply connected through families, businesses, and daily life in the valley. Because of that relationship, legal action between the two cities is not something the City considered lightly.

Victor has historically relied on Driggs’ wastewater treatment facility to process the water that leaves our homes and businesses. This arrangement allowed both communities to share infrastructure and avoid duplicating expensive systems. Driggs is our neighbor, and for many years the cities worked together in that spirit.

Over time, however, several issues emerged that raised serious concerns for Victor residents and ratepayers. These included ongoing compliance problems at the Driggs treatment facility, federal enforcement actions requiring significant upgrades, and financial questions related to how costs under the intercity agreement were calculated and allocated.

Victor spent years attempting to resolve these concerns through cooperation rather than confrontation. City staff and elected officials participated in negotiations, mediation, and independent financial review in an effort to clarify costs and find a path forward that was fair to both communities without resorting to litigation.

Unfortunately, those efforts did not lead to a resolution.

Victor also proposed several options that would have allowed the two cities to continue working together through a shared wastewater facility under updated terms. These included proposals for a joint partnership agreement, a fair customer agreement, and other shared-use arrangements that could have allowed the communities to continue operating a common system. Those proposals were not accepted by Driggs.


Victor has made the commitment to build our own wastewater treatment facility. That decision allows our community to plan for a reliable, locally managed system going forward. However, choosing to build our own plant does not resolve the financial and contractual issues connected to the existing agreement with Driggs. Questions about past costs, billing practices, and shared infrastructure responsibilities still need to be addressed.


For that reason, the City concluded that legal action was the only remaining way to resolve these matters in a clear, transparent, and structured way.

Filing a lawsuit is never the first choice between neighboring communities. It is a last resort when other efforts have been exhausted. Our goal is to establish clarity and fairness so that Victor residents are not left carrying costs or obligations that are not consistent with the agreement between the cities.

While the legal process moves forward, Victor will continue focusing on the same responsibilities we have always had: protecting our aquifer, maintaining reliable infrastructure, and planning carefully for the city’s future wastewater needs.

Residents who would like to learn more can visit the City’s wastewater information page: https://victoridaho.gov/wwtf


To receive updates about the wastewater project and related decisions, you can subscribe to the Wastewater Matters community newsletter here: https://victoridaho.gov/newsletter-signup.

If you have questions or would like to share your thoughts, you are also welcome to contact the Mayor’s office directly at mayor@victoridaho.gov

A Message to Victor Residents About the Wastewater Lawsuit

Welcome to the third issue of Wastewater Matters, a series explaining the City of Victor’s wastewater infrastructure project. Each article focuses on one question residents have raised about the project.

Wastewater Investment: What It Costs the City and What It Means for Residents

Wastewater infrastructure is one of the least visible parts of city services, but it is among the most essential. As Victor moves forward with development of a locally controlled wastewater treatment facility, residents understandably want clear information about the financial side of the project.

This article focuses on one question: What will this cost the City?

A second article will explain what the project means for monthly sewer bills and rate structures.

Over the past year, Victor explored whether a renewed regional wastewater partnership could be achieved. After extensive negotiation and mediation, no such agreement is currently available. With state and federal compliance obligations in place, the City is moving forward with development of a locally controlled wastewater treatment facility.

Wastewater infrastructure must be upgraded under any scenario. Regulatory timelines require a clear path forward, and engineering analysis has identified capital needs across the system over the next 5–50 years.

Infrastructure ages. Regulations evolve. Communities must invest in systems that protect water quality, public health, and long-term environmental stewardship.

Moving forward with a locally controlled facility also means local accountability. Victor will own and operate the infrastructure that serves its residents and will be responsible for planning, financing, and maintaining that system over time.

It is also important to understand that capital construction is only part of the total cost of operating a wastewater system. Facilities and pipes represent the upfront investment, but long-term operations, maintenance, staffing, and equipment replacement are equally important parts of providing reliable sewer service.

What “Project Cost” Actually Includes

When residents hear a number associated with a wastewater project, it typically refers to a planning-level capital estimate.

Municipal capital estimates generally include:

Civil construction such as earthwork, tanks, and structures

Contingency, typically 15–30% at the planning stage

Planning-level estimates include contingency because final construction bids have not yet been received. This is standard municipal practice and helps ensure early estimates are responsibly budgeted.

These early estimates also do not account for future inflation, which will be incorporated as projects move through design, bidding, and financing phases.

Wastewater Infrastructure Includes Two Major Parts

Wastewater systems consist of two major components:

The sewer collection system includes the underground pipes and lift stations that move wastewater from homes and businesses to the treatment facility.

Over time, maintaining and upgrading the collection system may involve improvements such as:

These types of investments are common for municipal sewer systems and are part of maintaining reliable infrastructure for decades to come.

Current Planning-Level Cost for a Victor Facility