Billings council asks staff to study commercial stormwater fee credits and appeals process

Councilors directed city staff to study and develop a commercial stormwater credit system after hearing that some commercial property owners have invested in on‑site detention and treatment systems and now face higher utility charges.

Council member Scott Aspenlieder framed the request as a narrowly targeted appeals process rather than a broad rate cut. "If you think you have a system that works, then prove it through a process defined by public works and we'll lower the rate," Aspenlieder said, urging a procedure that allows property owners to demonstrate compliance and earn credit without shifting costs indiscriminately to other ratepayers.

Staff said prior consultant work recommended against moving forward at the time but that the topic could be revisited. Duray said a new evaluation would likely cost about $25,000 in consultant fees and require roughly 200 staff hours; she suggested reconvening the stormwater advisory committee around Oct. 1 given current staff capacity.

Council members described a range of commercial sites—from heavily engineered lots that manage stormwater on‑site to properties that contribute more runoff—and emphasized equity for businesses that invested in detention systems under prior codes. Several council members volunteered to serve on a reconvened advisory committee. After discussion the council voted unanimously to direct staff to evaluate crediting options, an appeals process, and to return with recommendations.

Next steps: staff will scope a consultant engagement and analysis, reconvene the stormwater advisory committee in the fall and report back to council with criteria and an implementation plan.