Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Enterprise topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public works previews stormwater enterprise fund, potential Town Meeting article and rate hearing
Summary
Public works staff warned the commission it will seek to establish a stormwater enterprise budget and rates at Town Meeting and will hold a rate hearing; staff said the enterprise is needed to create an equitable fee structure and to fund compliance and maintenance.
Public works staff told the commission on Jan. 8 they are preparing a Town Meeting article to stand up a stormwater enterprise fund, present an operating budget (staff mentioned a possible $1 million initial operating budget) and hold a rate hearing before Town Meeting.
Staff explained that establishing a stormwater enterprise would separate stormwater financing from the general fund and allow the town to set rates that more equitably allocate costs across property types. The commission was told the enterprise will require administrative work — including billing mechanics and possible integration with existing water/sewer billing — and that town staff are coordinating with the town manager’s office and counsel to determine the exact wording and operational timeline.
Carlin Reed of the Finance Committee said the committee will model scenarios to show tax impacts and how an enterprise budget would change allocations. Staff emphasized that if the town does not create a dedicated stormwater funding mechanism, the burden for increased stormwater compliance could fall to the general taxpayer.
Public works said a formal rate hearing would be scheduled before Town Meeting to allow public input and that the Select Board and appropriate committees would be briefed on timing and implementation details.
