Board told stormwater fee will add $26,639 to next year's Kiski Area SD budget

Board members discussed the budgetary impact of a new stormwater fee levied by Alageney Township that will cost the district $26,639 annually, staff said at the March 11 information meeting.

A board member asked whether the fee being discussed earlier in the meeting was the stormwater charge and staff confirmed the district's bill is $26,639 and that the fee is typically assessed yearly. Staff said the charge was not part of the district's current-year budget and will be added to next year's utility costs.

Staff described the district's response: the district is "paying under protest" while legal and administrative questions remain about whether the fee is a tax or a permissible stormwater charge. Staff said the township provides a formula based on nonporous surface area to calculate the fee; the district received a reduction for on-site ponds but the reduction cannot exceed 50% of the total.

Board members emphasized the impact on district finances, with one member saying, "That's a lot of money," and discussed whether the district and other public entities are being treated differently. Staff said fire companies, municipalities and parking lots are also being required to pay under the current structure and that the district is pursuing reductions where eligible.

Why it matters: The fee represents a recurring expense that was not previously budgeted and could affect next year's utilities and operating budget; the district is contesting applicability and pursuing available reductions.

Next steps: Staff will include the fee in next year's budget planning, continue pursuing reductions and monitor the legal status of the township's fee assessment.