Speedway staff propose monthly stormwater fee to fund drainage and maintenance
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Summary
Town staff presented a proposed stormwater fee — $3.77 per month for residences plus a $1.00 base for non-residential accounts — designed to raise roughly $500,000 annually to fund stormwater maintenance, bank stabilization and BMP work; council has not adopted an ordinance.
Town of Speedway staff on Aug. 19 described a proposed stormwater fee and a draft stormwater fund for 2026 that would pay for maintenance, erosion control and capital projects.
Grant, the town manager, said the town currently does not operate a stormwater utility and that "almost every other Central Indiana" community charges a fee for stormwater work. He said the town’s stormwater board had recommended a residential fee of $3.77 per month plus a $1.00 base rate intended for businesses and larger non-residential parcels. Grant said that under that structure the town estimated the fee “will generate approximately 500,000 in annual revenue,” though he cautioned the revenue might not flow until March if the council adopts an ordinance and starts billing in 2026.
What the fund would pay for: staff identified several near-term uses for the fund in the draft budget, including maintaining and mowing the Dry Run ditch, repairing bank stabilization where "banks are sloughing off," cleaning and repairing best-management-practice (BMP) structures (including a "duck bill" valve at a Twentieth Street/Dry Run location), improvements to stormwater inlets and outfalls, and public outreach and education required under permit obligations.
Staff noted the draft stormwater budget of $645,295 is likely overstated for 2026 because collections may not begin until after the first quarter. Grant and Brad (wastewater staff) said some stormwater tasks—street and storm inlet maintenance—are currently performed by existing crews; the stormwater fund could pay portions of salaries or add staff in future years. Grant told the council staff had not yet removed duplicated salary costs from other funds in the draft and that some budget items may be adjusted as the council decides.
Ordinance and next steps: the council has not adopted a stormwater ordinance setting rates or collection mechanics. Grant said the town had discussed the proposal with the council and the stormwater board and that staff would present ordinance language and a more detailed implementation plan for council consideration. He emphasized public outreach and education would be part of the effort.
Direct quote: Grant said, "We have proposed with the council and discussed, and the stormwater board has reviewed those and made a recommendation to the council to adopt a $3.77 per month charge to each residence in town."
