Kanarraville opts to phase $850,000 stormwater repairs and delays a resident fee

Kanarraville officials decided on May 13 to phase an estimated $850,000 in stormwater repairs and postpone implementing a resident stormwater fee while staff pursues grants and bond options.

The council heard from staff that the stormwater master plan team asked whether the town wanted an implementation fee to appear on residents’ water bills. Staff said an implementation fee would be placed in a separate account and used only for the stormwater repairs the plan identifies. The master-plan estimate cited during the meeting was about $850,000 for needed work around town.

Staff warned that grants for stormwater projects are competitive and that a fee would be one way to guarantee local funding; alternatives discussed included phasing projects, taking out loans or bonds, and seeking federal or state grants. Council members favored a phased approach so the town could begin work as funds become available while avoiding an immediate monthly charge on residents.

‘‘We could try it for a couple years and see if it works before we implement a fee,’’ the staff presenter said, urging a phased schedule and additional grant-seeking. Several members emphasized that maintenance — keeping drains clear of leaves and debris — will remain essential even after capital work is completed.

Council members also asked to review the proposed plan phases before finalizing the master plan so they can remove tasks the town can do internally and reduce cost estimates where appropriate. Staff said the stormwater master plan is scheduled to be completed by the end of the budget year but some questions returned to the consultant must be answered first.

Next steps: staff will return with a phased plan for council review, continue to explore grant and bond options and map potential financing scenarios. The board did not authorize any immediate fee on residents at the May 13 meeting; formal adoption of fees would require further ordinance action.