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Plainfield board sets Feb. 23 hearing on proposed stormwater rate increase
Summary
The newly formed Plainfield Stormwater Board introduced a resolution recommending phased-in stormwater rate increases to cover projected deficits and scheduled a public hearing for Feb. 23, 2026, before the Town Council considers final action.
The Plainfield Stormwater Board on Feb. 12 introduced a resolution recommending a phased-in stormwater rate adjustment and set a public hearing for Feb. 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in council chambers.
Nathan Thorne, a town staff member who presented the rates and financial analysis, said the town’s cash-flow projections show a shortfall and that “we are projecting a deficit of $789,000” for 2026 under current rates. Thorne told the board the proposed increases are a modest, multi-year phase-in developed with municipal advisor Baker Tilly to restore fund stability.
Why it matters: The town has not increased stormwater rates since the utility was established in 2007, and staff said the adjustment would fund routine maintenance, capital drainage projects and regulatory compliance tied to the town’s MS4 permit. Thorne said the first phase would raise rates by $1, followed by incremental steps of $0.50 and later $0.25 toward a 2030 level the presentation showed would raise an average stormwater component from about $4 to roughly $6.50 per billing period.
What the board did: The board, organized at the same meeting, approved a consent agenda that included authorizing the Feb. 23 public hearing; no vote on the rate resolution was taken at the Feb. 12 meeting. President Daniel Bridget confirmed the hearing schedule: “that public hearing is going to be held on February 23rd at 2:00 p.m.”
Process and next steps: After the public hearing, the board will be asked to make a formal recommendation by resolution for Town Council consideration. Thorne and staff said they would provide board members with presentation packets and supporting cash-flow pages used in the study prior to the hearing so members and members of the public can review the assumptions and projected impacts.
Who spoke: Presenters included Nathan Thorne (staff member) and other town staff who assisted with the financial presentation. No final decision on rates was made at the Feb. 12 meeting; the Town Council will act after the hearing and any board recommendation.
