Peachtree City mayor warns $20M stormwater backlog will require rate increase

Mayor Kim Learnard said Peachtree City faces a roughly $20 million backlog of stormwater projects and that the city will raise stormwater rates to cover the work.

"We have a $20 million backlog of projects," Learnard said, adding that "the fees we've been paying are not covering what we need to do." She described the city’s stormwater utility, set up in 2006, and the routine twice-yearly billing residents have been receiving.

Stormwater projects cited by Learnard include ponds and dams, culverts, and corrugated metal pipe intended to channel rainwater, prevent erosion and protect groundwater. She argued the city should take a proactive approach to maintenance rather than waiting for pipe failures that become emergencies.

Learnard also said the council will consider a change in the way the city bills for stormwater, including the possibility of "adding storm water fees to our property tax bills so that we have a more straightforward billing uh once a year and it will be part of our property taxes." She said the move would simplify billing and help ensure steady funding for needed projects.

City officials did not provide a vote tally or specific implementation timetable for the rate increase during the remarks. Learnard said the item will be part of future city council discussions and that staff will bring proposals on rates and billing to the council for consideration.