Board narrowly approves $150,000 study to explore a stormwater utility fee after heated debate
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Summary
After a contentious discussion about funding options and resident impacts, the board approved hiring GMC for a stormwater utility fee study to evaluate impervious‑area methodology, rate structures, credits and legal considerations. Supporters argued the study will identify a sustainable funding source for capital stormwater projects; opponents warned against adding new fees to residents.
The Effingham County Board of Commissioners voted 4–3 to approve a proposal from Goodwin Mills & Caywood (GMC) to study creation of a stormwater utility fee and user‑fee structure. County staff said the study will revisit a prior master plan, evaluate impervious‑area‑based billing options, recommend rate structures and credits (for on‑site detention, for example), support GIS needs and produce public‑outreach materials and ordinance changes needed to implement a fee.
County engineer Jonathan Holm told the board GMC has experience performing such studies for a range of municipalities and that the firm would analyze options such as watershed‑specific assessments, credit systems, and possible insurance‑premium tax credits for residential customers. Holm said the Athens‑Clarke County stormwater fee recently survived Georgia Supreme Court review, which provides legal precedent.
Some commissioners opposed spending about $150,000 on a study that may lead to a new recurring fee, arguing alternatives such as using sales tax mechanisms, T‑SPLOST funds, reallocated insurance premium tax credits or general revenues should be exhausted first. Others said the county lacks a dedicated, predictable funding source for capital stormwater improvements and for routine maintenance beyond complaint response.
Proponents noted the county’s stormwater master plan identified needed capital projects and that having a dedicated funding mechanism would allow proactive maintenance and targeted capital improvements rather than episodic repairs after storms.
The board approved the study and directed staff to continue exploring offsets and alternatives and to return with projected fee scenarios and public‑outreach plans.
