Port Orange approves stormwater fee increase; residents raise equity and drainage concerns
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Summary
The Port Orange City Council approved Resolution 25‑46 to raise the stormwater fee as the third year of a planned three‑year phase‑in. Public commenters urged the council to revisit how equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) are calculated and pressed for better drainage in older neighborhoods.
The Port Orange City Council unanimously approved Resolution 25‑46 adopting the citystormwater rate for fiscal year 2026, completing the third year of a planned three‑year phase‑in that raises the equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) fee from about $1.40 to $1.60 annually.
Staff described the change as year three of a phased increase to provide dedicated funding for stormwater projects; council members cited the need to fund stormwater work citywide. During discussion a staff speaker explained that the EDU methodology treats a single residential dwelling as one EDU based on roughly 3,050 square feet of impervious surface, while nonresidential properties are assigned EDUs by dividing total impervious surface by a 3,000‑square‑foot unit. Staff said that methodology and fee levels were established in a prior ordinance and a fee study conducted several years ago.
Two members of the public addressed the council on the fee calculation and local drainage conditions. Robert Ryan Hagen of 1425 Dexter Drive argued the current approach is inequitable because every single‑family residence is charged one EDU regardless of house size; he suggested a ratio of impervious to pervious area on the lot would be more equitable. Kelly Miller, a resident of Galleon Court in the Cove subdivision, told the council she has reported persistent street and yard flooding there since February 2023 and said she had discussed the issue with the mayor on Dec. 7, 2024; she said she wants to see stormwater fee revenue produce local drainage improvements.
Council members and staff acknowledged the equity concerns but said the EDU method is a common approach and that more detailed breakdowns by home size can be complex to administer and yield limited dollar changes to monthly or annual bills. Staff told the council they can revisit the ordinance and fee methodology in the future if the council wishes.
Resolution 25‑46 passed on a 5‑0 roll call. The council also heard specific project priorities during the meeting, noting Spruce Creek Road paving and other drainage projects among capital needs funded in part by stormwater revenues.
Votes at a glance
- Resolution 25‑46 (Stormwater rate for FY2026 — year 3 of phased increase to $1.60 per EDU): Motion made and seconded; roll call 5‑0 (approved).