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Staff urges implementation of remaining stormwater fee increase as infrastructure needs swell to $154 million
Summary
Staff recommended moving forward with the fifth year of a previously adopted stormwater schedule, raising the base rate from $10.50 to $12.50, citing updated estimates of roughly $154 million in system needs and increased regulatory inspection obligations.
Public works and finance staff reviewed the 2021 Stormwater Rate Study and recommended implementing the previously adopted year-five increase, raising the base rate from $10.50 to $12.50. Sam Kelly told the Council that updated evaluations increased the city’s estimated stormwater infrastructure needs from roughly $57 million originally to about $154 million in total, with approximately $130 million identified within the next ten years.
Staff noted the city must comply with state MS4 stormwater permit requirements and manage a large inventory of infrastructure—thousands of inlets, sumps and manholes—requiring ongoing inspection and maintenance. The Council emphasized clear public communication that the increase primarily funds existing system deficiencies and regulatory obligations rather than new development; staff said the rate will remain at $12.50 unless a future study shows additional need.
