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Board approves 25¢ monthly stormwater fee increase to fund major projects
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Summary
The board approved a 25¢ monthly increase to the stormwater fee (from $3.50 to $3.75) to help fund projects including Town Creek daylighting and Mall Circle Drive drainage work; the increase is expected to generate roughly $4.2 million and was passed by voice vote.
The Water Resources Board approved a proposed 25¢ monthly increase in the stormwater fee, raising the charge from $3.50 to $3.75 per month.
Valerie explained the fee history and rationale: the fee started at $3.25 in 2008 (covering 3,470 sq. ft. of impervious area as a single‑family equivalent), was increased last year to $3.50 and generated approximately $3.85 million; the current proposal to add another 25¢ per month would generate about $4.2 million and is intended to fund a five‑year capital improvement program that includes the Town Creek daylighting, Mall Circle Drive drainage renovations and other stormwater projects. Valerie said the five‑year CIP is a little over $9 million and that without the increase reserves could fall below the current policy level of three months of operating expenses.
Board members discussed options including delaying some projects, suspending the three‑month policy temporarily, borrowing against the stormwater fund or phasing projects differently; staff said the fund could still meet payroll in a shortfall scenario but projects like Mall Circle Drive might be pushed out. After discussion the board approved the fee resolution and separately approved the stormwater budget by voice votes.
Why it matters: the fee change provides dedicated revenue to complete multi‑year stormwater projects that the board identified as priorities, but staff told members future increases may be needed depending on project timing and reserve balances.
Next steps: staff will implement the fee change, continue public communications about Town Creek progress, and monitor reserves and project schedules.
