Board records $53,759 in special-assessment collections; public asks whether stormwater fee will rise

The Delaware County Stormwater Board received and approved a special-assessment collection summary Jan. 5 showing distributions to multiple jurisdictions totaling approximately $53,759.51. The chair explained the total derives from a larger figure offset by a subtraction; the board voted to accept receipt of the collections but said other claims and financial approvals were delayed by year-end auditor access restrictions to the VIP financial system.

During public comment, Rick Henser asked whether the stormwater fee (sometimes referred to as a "rain tax") had already been increased or would be increased in spring, and requested a breakdown of how much the county holds and how funds are distributed. Board members said no recent action to raise the fee has occurred and noted that the residential rate was established in 2006 and has not been increased since. One board member stated the residential rate is $0.95 a month, for an annual amount of $11.40.

The board also discussed a contractor invoice of $4,160 submitted in early December for tree removals at the Stoney Creek Lane project; staff said Jenna received the invoice and payment timing will be determined when full financial access returns.