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Matthews survey: residents generally support a modest stormwater fee increase; board defers final decision
Summary
A town survey and single public meeting found majority support for a small fee increase to fund ditch maintenance and stormwater system assessment. Commissioners asked for more time and information; staff will return with more detail after a brief follow‑up period.
Staff presented results of public outreach about a possible stormwater fee increase after commissioners asked for resident input. The outreach consisted of an online survey that received 128 responses and a single in‑person public meeting that had one attendee.
Survey respondents indicated majority support for a modest rate increase. Specifically, roughly 65% supported an increase of about $1.05 per month to expand ditch clearing and maintenance; about 57% supported about $0.61 per month to fund stormwater control measures; and about 57% supported a $1.24 increase to fund an initial and ongoing system survey and assessment. When asked to rank priorities, respondents placed regularly clearing and maintaining ditches highest, followed by funding repairs for neighborhood stormwater control measures; system assessment was ranked third.
Staff told the board the survey included background context and that respondents were likely to prefer online engagement over in‑person meetings. Staff also noted the stormwater enterprise has not had a fee increase in seven years and that a roughly $2/month increase would be needed to maintain existing service levels. If the board declined to raise fees, staff said service cuts or use of limited fund balance would be necessary.
Commissioners requested more time before deciding. Several members said they wanted additional detail on what services would be reduced if no fee increase is adopted, and whether phasing smaller annual increases would be preferable to a one‑time larger increase. The board asked staff to bring a refined package and options back at the next meeting; staff said it would return in two weeks with more information and modeling.
The public‑input exercise will feed into FY‑26 budget discussion; staff said the town treats stormwater as an enterprise fund and typically does not backfill stormwater operating shortfalls from the general fund.
