County investigates stormwater-fee errors after ERU spike for some parcels

County stormwater staff told the council they are investigating irregularities in this year's ERU (equivalent residential unit) calculations that produced unexpectedly high bills for some property owners.

John Heiliger, stormwater coordinator, said the county switched to a digital impervious-surface partner this year and that a mapping or calculation error appears to have produced anomalous charges. He acknowledged the problem directly: "I take I stand before you and take full responsibility," and said the office is working to identify where the calculations went off the rails so the rolls can be corrected for next year.

Officials explained the ERU basis ($7.50 per six-month period; $15 annually) and noted some taxpayers — including farmers and unincorporated parcels — saw very large percentage increases. Treasurer Cindy Chadwell said the office has issued personalized letters to people entitled to refunds and described options to refund money or roll balances into future installments. Staff said fall-installment calculations may need manual handling for corrected bills and that they will provide processes to handle refunds and transfers.