Clemson to rejoin cooperative stormwater education consortium; staff estimates $10,000/year

At the Jan. 5 meeting, staff member Dusty told the council the city is being asked to enter a contractual agreement with Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service to continue participation in a regional stormwater education partnership that counts toward MS4 permit minimum control measures. Dusty said the partnership historically covered two required measures and that the city was previously included through a county arrangement; the extension service is now asking the city to pay its share directly.

The fee, Dusty said, is estimated at about $10,000 per year and would be locked in for a five-year term. Staff proposed joining in January with payment deferred until August so the cost could be added to next year’s budget. Ethan asked for clarification on the county’s prior role; staff explained the city had been taken into the consortium under county participation and that recent permit renewal timing and administrative changes mean the extension service is now collecting fees directly.

Why it matters: For municipalities covered by the MS4 stormwater program, partnerships like the extension consortium can satisfy required education and outreach measures more cost-effectively than building an in-house program. Council members emphasized fiscal clarity and asked staff to add the anticipated cost to the budget.

Next steps: Staff will prepare budget language for the upcoming cycle to include the $10,000-per-year fee if council approves formal contract terms.

Quoted from the meeting: Dusty summarized the change plainly, saying the county previously paid the city’s portion and now “the free ride is over with and it’s time for us to pay our part.”