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Town seeks state planning grant for stormwater study as council weighs fee increase
Summary
Kirkland council approved submitting an OCRA planning grant for a stormwater and water-utility study and spent much of the meeting discussing whether to raise the town's $5-per-lot stormwater fee to build a fund for larger projects and upcoming NDOT work.
Kirkland's town council voted to authorize submission of a planning grant application to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to support a study of the town's stormwater and water utility systems, and discussed a possible phased increase in the stormwater fee to fund repairs.
The council approved resolution 2025-8-1 authorizing the submittal by title only after Chair asked whether there were questions or comments; no one objected during the public hearing. The grant application will be accompanied by community support letters, council members said.
Why it matters: council and staff said current stormwater revenue — "Our fees are, like, $5 right now," the Chair said — covers only modest, intermittent projects and leaves the town unable to fund larger work needed for Highway 421 corridor storm structures and other trouble spots.
Resident speakers described recent flooding. One resident said, "I lost my garden this year because of" stormwater impacts, underscoring local concern about recurring drainage problems.
Staff and council described the funding challenge: utility staff and councilors said the town typically completes one or two small stormwater projects every three years with current income, and that larger corridor work tied to NDOT's planned highway reconstruction would require a significant local match to secure external grants. Utility superintendent Billy noted some highway storm structures will remain the state's responsibility while the town will still need to address pipes underneath local streets.
On rates, council discussed beginning with an incremental approach similar to recent water-rate changes — for example starting at $5 more and phasing increases over time — to build a reserve without a single large leap. Several council members encouraged residents to submit letters and photos documenting problem areas to support the planning grant and any future funding requests.
Next steps: the council signed the resolution to submit the planning grant application and left open the question of a formal ordinance to change stormwater rates; staff was asked to model scenarios, publicize options and return with recommended language and phasing for council consideration.
