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Flower Mound council backs middle‑rate stormwater plan (option 3) to boost drainage funds
Summary
The Town Council directed staff to present a stormwater fee schedule based on option 3 (median ERU, $6.50 alternative structure) to increase stormwater revenue for maintenance and studies, while limiting disproportionate increases for large commercial properties.
The Flower Mound Town Council directed staff to present a stormwater fee proposal based on option 3 from a recent rate study, a middle path designed to raise additional revenue for drainage maintenance and studies while limiting the largest impacts on commercial superstores.
Council members and staff debated four fee options during a detailed presentation that compared median versus average equivalent residential unit (ERU) calculations and monthly billing impacts for residential, small, medium and large commercial customers. Town staff said the plan in the adopted budget was built around option 2 (median, $6 per ERU), while option 4 would maximize revenue; council settled on option 3 to increase funding while moderating commercial rate jumps.
Why it matters: The additional revenue will be used to rebuild the stormwater fund balance after recent large storm‑debris expenditures, finance flood‑mapping and allow stepped increases in maintenance or contracted drainage work. Staff estimated the town’s proposed option 2 would generate about $2.8 million; option 4 would add roughly $200,000 more than that. Officials said fully restoring long‑term staffing and a dedicated drainage crew would require substantially more revenue and likely multiple years.
Finance staff warned that the choice of median versus average ERU changes the calculation denominator used for commercial sites and therefore the distribution of increases between residential and commercial customers. Large commercial sites — churches, superstores, large campuses — see the largest dollar changes, but town staff emphasized that monthly increases for even large sites remain modest compared with similar Texas cities and that Flower Mound’s charges remain in a midrange compared with peers.
Town Manager James (Town Manager) urged the council to consider the additional capacity option 4 would create, saying, “If you were to ask me what my recommendation is, it would be to go with option 4,” but also warned the higher option would represent a stronger policy shift and a larger immediate commitment to expanded service levels.
After discussion about pace and timing — whether to rebuild fund balances over one year or multiple years — the council directed staff to present the rate schedule consistent with option 3 when the formal rate ordinance returns in the budget process.
Council members and staff said the town can adjust the approach in future budget cycles if revenue and service needs change; no final ordinance was adopted tonight.
