Ponce Inlet adopts townwide stormwater utility and assessment program

The Town Council on July 16 adopted Ordinance 2026-02, establishing a townwide stormwater utility and assessment program to provide a dedicated funding source for stormwater maintenance, management, and capital improvements.

Town Manager Mr. Disher presented the ordinance and described the public process and a proposed mitigation credit policy that staff and consultants continued to refine. "Mr. Disher presented the second reading of Ordinance 2026-02, establishing a town-wide stormwater utility and stormwater assessment program," the record states. Raftelis consultant Ms. Christina Conchilla explained that assessments for multifamily developments would be based on the development's total impervious area, with costs allocated equally among individual dwelling units and billed directly on each owner's annual tax bill rather than through homeowners associations.

During public comment, resident John Carney thanked staff for addressing his prior questions but raised concerns about the legal framework and engineering requirements for mitigation credits. Other residents asked whether properties in areas without nearby stormwater infrastructure would be assessed and how drainage improvements along South Atlantic Avenue would be handled. Mr. Disher and Ms. Conchilla said roadways are part of the Town's stormwater conveyance system and that the utility is intended to fund drainage projects identified in the Town's Adaptation Plan.

Council consensus directed staff to further evaluate potential agreements with homeowners associations — including whether HOAs might assume pond maintenance — and to return with recommendations. The Council approved Ordinance 2026-02 by a 5-0 vote (Councilmember White – yes; Councilmember Milano – yes; Mayor Paritsky – yes; Councilmember Villanella – yes; Vice-Mayor Smith – yes).