Lynn Haven commission adopts five-year stormwater plan with 50% revenue increase and annual 3% escalator

The Lynn Haven City Commission voted to adopt a five‑year stormwater assessment plan that increases stormwater revenue by 50% in the first year, applies a 3% annual increase in subsequent years, and reduces the vacant‑parcel charge from 23% to 18%. The measure passed by roll call (tally: yes 3, no 2) on first action after extended discussion and public comment.

The change is intended to move the stormwater fund from near‑deficit operations into a position that supports capital projects, reserves and required consent‑order work. Consultant Peter Napoli of Stantec presented the revised rate structures and said the proposal was designed to place the equivalent residential unit (ERU) nearer the center of a four‑tier structure and to spread the burden more equitably across parcels. "We added an additional scenario… where after the major adjustment of 50% in 2026 the commission considers adopting 3% increases to the stormwater assessment rate afterwards," Napoli said during the presentation.

Why it matters: City staff and the commission said the fund needs more predictable revenue so the city can pursue major stormwater capital projects rather than rely solely on intermittent grant or surtax dollars. Finance staff reported the stormwater account was already short on cash: "As of today, the stormwater is in…