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Council introduces $3.21 million bond ordinance for sewer improvements; members discuss stormwater utility to fund capital needs
Summary
Council introduced a $3,214,200 bond ordinance for sewer capital projects and discussed the idea of creating a stormwater utility as an annual dedicated revenue source for stormwater infrastructure, with preliminary estimates for utility fees discussed by the director.
On first reading the council introduced a bond ordinance to fund approximately $3.21 million in sewer capital acquisitions and improvements; the ordinance authorizes issuing up to $3,053,490 in bonds or notes to finance most of the work. Council members framed the need for continuing capital work and cited the recurring nature of stormwater and sanitary infrastructure costs as a driver of the financing.
Several council members pressed the administration to study the creation of a stormwater utility to generate an ongoing, dedicated revenue stream to reduce the need for future bonding. Director Carballo described the typical design of such utilities — a fee per parcel based on impervious coverage — and named municipalities that use similar utilities (New Brunswick, Maplewood). He said preliminary per-lot rates could range from roughly $50 to $100 per year depending on impervious area and noted preliminary feasibility would require a six-figure study if grant funding is not available.
Council asked staff to explore a feasibility study and sample rate models for the utility and to return with a recommended path for community engagement and possible grant funding to offset study costs.
