Wendell board approves prorated stormwater fee waivers after Wake County billing error
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Summary
The Town of Wendell authorized prorated waivers to correct a Wake County tax administrator billing error that omitted stormwater fees for roughly 1,200 properties in 2024 and affected about 2,500 in the current cycle; Wake County will adjust accounts or issue refunds.
The Wendell Town Board voted unanimously to authorize prorated waivers for stormwater fees after Wake County identified a billing error that left multiple properties unassessed in the prior billing cycle and others affected in the current cycle.
"We're trying to be as fair as possible to the property owners who didn't even know there was a fee because they weren't properly billed at the time," Finance Director Mr. Johnson told the board when describing the recommended remedy.
Town staff reported Wake County discovered the error and identified about just over 1,200 properties that were not charged the adopted annual stormwater fee in the 2024 billing cycle and about 2,500 properties affected in the current 2025 billing cycle. Wake County issued revised tax bills reflecting the omitted charges and told town staff it would handle refunds or account adjustments and notifications.
Town staff recommended the board authorize waivers of the adopted fee in a prorated amount based on time of ownership within the fiscal year (July 1, 2024–June 30, 2025). If a payment has already been made, Wake County will refund the payer or escrow agent; if unpaid, the county will adjust the account balance.
A motion to approve the stormwater fee waiver amendment and authorize the town manager or designee to submit claims to the Wake County tax administrator passed with all in favor, none opposed.