Lakewood raises monthly stormwater charge to $7.49 to accelerate drainage repairs

The Lakewood City Council approved, on consent, an adjustment to the stormwater management utility service charge that will raise the monthly fee from $4.99 to $7.49.

Public-works staff explained the fee change at council request before the consent vote. ‘‘The stormwater service charge adjustment that's before you tonight would in essence bring that service charge ... up to $7.49 a month,’’ said Mister Hill, who described an expansive, citywide drainage system of pipes, inlets, channels, curb-and-gutter and ditches. He told council much of the system was constructed of corrugated metal pipe and is beyond its service life.

Hill said the current funding pace would leave the city’s identified capital and local drainage needs addressed in roughly 285 years; the proposed adjustment would allow the program to address current needs in about 50 years. He told council the utility’s revenue is generated entirely by service charges and that staff pursues grants and partnerships, including with the Mile High Flood District, to supplement the program.

Council had placed the stormwater fee item on the consent agenda; after a brief presentation and questions, the full consent agenda passed 11–0. The consent packet listed related resolutions (R2025-45, -46, -47) and an assignment to Metro West Housing Solutions; the stormwater service charge was identified as Item 5c (R2025-47) in the consent materials.

City staff said the fee increase will fund accelerated replacement and capital projects; council directed staff to continue pursuing outside funding and to provide outreach materials to residents about the change.