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Council increases ERU and consolidates stormwater fees into single $5.90 monthly charge
Summary
The council amended the stormwater utility fee ordinance to raise the square-foot equivalent per ERU and combine fixed and variable charges into a single $5.90 monthly per-ERU fee; city staff said most customers will see a slight decrease while some large multiple-parcel owners could pay more.
The Common Council on Nov. 7 adopted an ordinance that raises the effective square footage in an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) from 1,907 to 2,933 square feet and combines the existing fixed and variable stormwater fees into one monthly stormwater fee of $5.90 per ERU.
Diane, a city billing staff member, told the council the move replaces a prior $2 fixed fee and a $3.90 variable ERU charge with a single $5.90 rate; because the ERU size is increasing, “the majority of the people will end up seeing a slight rate decrease.” She also confirmed billing frequency will remain twice a year.
Council discussion included operational reasons for the change. City staff said moving to a single fee simplifies administration and billing (the Springbrook billing software will be easier to use), and will streamline customer statements. One property owner voiced concern that combining a fixed fee into the ERU-based charge could substantially increase bills for owners with multiple parcels and multiple meters; he urged creation of the citizen committee that had been proposed during the election to review stormwater and sewer operations.
Council members moved the ordinance and approved it by voice vote. The ordinance was recorded as carried.
