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Stormwater rates, CIP and impact-fee limits highlighted in FY2027 presentation
Summary
Staff described a restructured stormwater utility for FY2027 with new rates, three stormwater positions, a near $4M projected stormwater budget, planned capital pipelining and pipe replacement increases, and legal limits on impact fees restricted to new infrastructure.
Jonathan (staff) briefed council on proposed FY2027 stormwater utility changes and the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Following a rate study, staff proposed revised stormwater rates that would be reflected for businesses on Oct. 1 and for residential customers through calendar-year property tax bills; staff estimated the stormwater fund would grow by roughly $1.3 million versus FY26 to support pipeline and replacement projects, an excavator purchase and three additional stormwater positions. Jonathan said reserves for the stormwater fund are about $3 million and the FY27 stormwater budget was projected to be near $4 million, with staff projecting the fund would remain balanced without drawing reserves.
On the CIP, staff reviewed pay-as-you-go items (comprehensive plan, Battery Way restroom funding, citywide facility improvements) and a revolving five-year financing plan for vehicles and equipment (first-year payment estimate ~$611,000). Staff also reminded council that impact fees are legally limited to new infrastructure and cannot be used for maintenance or replacement; current impact-fee balances were reported near $3.0M and are on a five-year spending rotation tied to collection timing and statutory deadlines.
Council asked for additional detail about communication to residents on stormwater bill changes and whether small businesses could weather industrial/commercial charge changes; staff indicated messaging and outreach would be needed ahead of October implementation.
