Finance committee advances mayoral resolution to phase in higher stormwater fees to fund multi‑year projects

The Kenosha Finance Committee unanimously voted Nov. 12 to send a mayoral resolution to the committee of the whole that would phase in increased stormwater utility rates to help fund a multi‑year slate of stormwater projects.

Brian (interim public works director) and other public works staff described the proposal as phased increases over the next five years. "What we're looking at doing is increasing through the next 5 years the rate: the base rate increased by 20¢ this next year, and then the EHU rate, which is currently at $6.68 per EHU, will be increased by $1.08 this next year," Brian said. Staff said most residential parcels are billed 1 EHU, while commercial properties are calculated on their number of EHUs. The presentation noted the proposal would phase annual increases to reach about $12 per EHU and a proposed base rate noted in the presentation as $1.39.

Proponents said the increase is needed to deliver a large, multi‑year stormwater program that staff flagged as tens of millions of dollars over the next five years. Committee members acknowledged the need for the projects and discussed phasing to limit immediate rate shocks for residents and businesses. After discussion, a motion passed on roll call to send the mayor’s resolution establishing the stormwater utility rates to the committee of the whole; all committee members voted aye.

Because this was an advance to committee of the whole, any specific fee amounts and the implementation schedule are subject to further committee and council review and possible amendment.