Warrick County stormwater board backs $8.50 monthly fee, refers recommendation to county council

The Warrick County Stormwater Board on Aug. 25 voted unanimously to recommend increasing the county's stormwater fee to $8.50 per month and referred the Baker Tilly rate-study report to the county council for consideration.

Consultant Doug Baltzer of Baker Tilly presented an updated rate study and five-year capital improvement plan that shows roughly $6.8 million in combined stormwater and drainage capital needs over the next five years, including about $5.75 million allocated specifically to stormwater projects. Baltzer said the study uses 2024 revenues and expenses and projects operating expenses of roughly $1 million per year for the stormwater utility.

"The capital improvement plan is a good way to justify the need for that," Baltzer said while describing the study's assumptions and scenarios. He told the board that fully funding the stormwater capital needs would align with a rate near $7.50 per month and that including cumulative drainage projects would put the county near the $8.50 figure presented as Alternative 8.

Michael Bell, stormwater director for the town of Chandler, spoke during the public hearing and urged the board to act. "When we raised a dollar and 50' a month [in Chandler], we did not have pushback on it," Bell said, adding that the town's increased fee was attached to customers' water bills.

Board members and staff discussed how stormwater rates relate to cumulative drainage funds managed by the county surveyor's office. Baker Tilly's presentation and the board's discussion made clear that the stormwater fee is a utility charge distinct from, but potentially used to supplement, cumulative drain projects when the board and county choose to do so.

After discussion, a board member moved to recommend Alternative 8, the $8.50 monthly rate, and to refer the Baker Tilly report and recommendation in writing to the county council; another member seconded. The motion passed, recorded as "motion carries 3 0." Board members noted that the fee must be approved by both the county council and the county commissioners before it becomes effective.

The board also discussed comparative rates in nearby jurisdictions that were included in Baker Tilly's packet: Chandler (reported at $6.50 per month) and the town of Newburgh (reported at $10.50 per month). The consultant said the county is required under Indiana rules to cost-justify stormwater rates in the same manner as water and sewer utilities.

Next steps: staff was directed to prepare a written referral to the county council and to include the Baker Tilly report so council members can review the analysis before any public hearings or votes.