Burleson council pauses stormwater-fee push after churches urge exemptions

Summary

After staff outlined a proposed impervious‑area stormwater utility that would raise roughly $4 million annually, multiple Burleson pastors warned the fee would sharply raise utility costs for large, community‑serving congregations. Council directed staff to pause the Jan. 20 public hearing and discuss exemptions and credits at the January retreat.

Burleson — The City Council on Dec. 15 paused notification for a Jan. 20 public hearing on a proposed stormwater utility after dozens of residents and several area pastors urged exemptions or credits for religious and community‑serving institutions.

Public Works Director Eric Thompson presented the proposal as an impervious‑area‑based utility meant to fund drainage and capital projects staff identified at roughly $146 million. Thompson said a preliminary program would generate about $4,000,000 a year and uses a three‑tier residential structure: the smallest 10% of single‑family properties would pay about $5 per month, the middle roughly 80% would pay about $8 per month and the largest 10% “would pay well over $15.” The model is based on analysis of the city’s 17,589 parcels and ties charges to measured…

Burleson council pauses stormwater-fee push after churches urge exemptions

Summary

Subscribe to keep reading