City engineers presented funding options for a proposed expanded stormwater program to the Public Works Committee Aug. 11 and, following committee discussion, staff said the direction was to pursue a sales tax approach (parks and stormwater) rather than a standalone stormwater user fee.

George Binger, city engineer, and Public Works staff summarized proposed level‑of‑service enhancements that would be possible with new funding: two additional storm crews (bringing total to three), increased street sweeping, a dedicated stormwater educator and customer service staffing, and a capital improvement program estimating roughly $6.1 million per year in current dollars. Staff said these increases respond to deferred maintenance, mapping and flood‑insurance program needs, and the opportunity to pair dry basins with recreational uses in partnership with Parks.

Binger presented comparative analysis of funding mechanisms. He and staff described a sales tax as relatively quick to implement, low in administrative overhead and easier to explain to voters. A user fee would require more administrative setup, bill‑credit policies, potential exemptions for public institutions and a longer lead time (staff estimated about two years to implement) and higher administrative costs. Staff provided illustrative per‑household estimates: roughly $100–$125 per household per year under the sales tax approach, with a comparable range for a user fee depending on policy choices and exemptions.

Staff noted Missouri statute authorizes a combined parks and stormwater sales tax up to a half‑cent; many nearby municipalities use that structure. After discussion committee members signaled a preference for presenting a quarter‑cent parks/stormwater sales tax option to council. Staff said they would package a recommendation for the next meeting and anticipated seeking council direction to place a measure on a future ballot (staff mentioned aiming for an April election if council so directs).

Committee members asked for formal recommendation language and timeline; staff said they would return in September with a recommendation to forward to council for ordinance preparation and ballot language work if council decides to proceed.