Commission gives ordinance first reading and approves preliminary stormwater assessment resolution

The City Commission voted on first reading July 8 to adopt an ordinance establishing a City stormwater utility and also unanimously adopted a companion resolution directing staff to prepare the initial stormwater assessment roll and hold required public hearings.

What staff told the commission: City staff described the ordinance as a procedural alignment that puts the city's stormwater assessment process in the same collection framework as other assessments such as the fire assessment. The resolution sets the methodology for assessing properties that benefit from stormwater services, creates the stormwater service area and directs preparation and notice of an assessment roll and public hearing.

Public questions and clarification: Members of the public asked whether stormwater fees will rise the same way the fire assessment has increased in past years. Staff and commissioners explained the resolution before the commission establishes procedures and a preliminary rate for notice purposes only; the commission will set a final assessment in a later public hearing. Staff confirmed stormwater fees are evaluated annually and that assessment roles and collection on the tax roll provide a stable collection method aligned with FEMA and stormwater master-plan requirements.

Vote and next steps: Commission adopted the ordinance on first reading and approved the preliminary assessment resolution with unanimous roll-call votes. Staff will prepare the detailed assessment roll, provide public notice and hold the statutorily required public hearing on the final rate and role later in the process.