North Bend council adopts phased stormwater rate increases to fund capital projects

The North Bend City Council approved an ordinance Tuesday increasing stormwater utility rates in a phased approach over the next several years to fund capital repairs and maintenance.

Public works staff and consultant FCS Bowman told the council that the city's stormwater program has been underfunded for years and that the fee schedule had not been updated in nearly two decades. The proposed plan shifts to a Stair-step annual increase rather than a single large hike to spread costs over time. Staff said the plan would support projects that include levee setback work downtown, larger culverts in the Silver Creek and Briberry Creek neighborhoods, and the hiring of a full-time maintenance technician, a city arborist and a surface water manager.

“It's a six-year program,” Public Works staff said in the staff report, and the recommended approach was a roughly $5-per-year increase spread across several years. City staff recommended the ordinance as presented.

Councilmember Alan Godhelp, who sits on the Transportation and Public Works committee, noted the fee had not been updated in nearly 20 years and supported the change. Councilmembers acknowledged the burden on homeowners but said the city needs revenue to address long-deferred capital needs.

Councilmember Brendan Elwood said he favored the step approach and Mayor Pro Tem Mark Jocelyn said he supported hiring an arborist and maintenance staff as a priority.

The motion to adopt AB 25-096 was made by Councilmember Gautel and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Jocelyn; the ordinance passed on a unanimous vote.