Saturday Special: City Administration Seeks Council Approval to Increase Stormwater Fees

The measure would increase storm water fees 31% by 2028.

On Monday evening, the City Council's Finance Committee is set to discuss a proposal to increase the storm water utility fee by $4.20 annually over the next five years.

Introduced in 2008, the storm water utility fee began at $3.50 per month. From 2008 to 2019, the fee gradually increased, averaging an annual hike of 5.5%, reaching $5.65 per month. This rate has remained consistent from 2020 to 2023. The proposed increase of 35 cents monthly over the next five years means that by 2028, residents could be paying $7.40 per month. If approved, this hike, representing an annual increase of slightly above 6.1%, will be the most significant since the fee's inception. The new rate would take effect in February 2024.

The City Administration emphasizes the need for this increase, cautioning that without it, the stormwater utility fund could face a deficit by 2028 and fall short of its target balance by 2026. This proposed hike ensures the fund remains above its target balance until at least 2027. Notably, the target balance is set to cover 50% of the fund's operational expenses, ensuring a minimum of six months of operating capital is always available.

Other Agenda Items:

• The Finance Committee will consider a new software contract for the Geographic Information Services system, costing $30,454 annually for three years.

• The Law and Ordinance Committee will discuss a municipal court agreement with Shipman, Dixon, and Livingston, Co., LPA. Additionally, they will address the appointment of the Assessment Equalization Board for vacant parcel assessments in the Oakmont Creek subdivision.

• The Safety and Health Committee will review an existing agreement with Lostcreek Township to offer EMS services through 2027 and a potential 2024 agreement with the Miami County Health District. The latter would provide public health services at a cost of $403,543, marking a nearly 9% increase from 2023.

All committee meetings are scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30th, in the Council Chambers of the City Building.