In a recent government meeting, officials discussed significant adjustments to water and wastewater billing structures, particularly in relation to stormwater management. The analysis presented indicated that if stormwater expenses continue to be funded through the sewer fund, residential sewer bills would need to increase by 37% to accommodate these costs.

The calculations revealed that, without stormwater expenses, water revenue would need to rise by 29%, while wastewater revenue would require a 60% increase. However, incorporating stormwater expenses would necessitate a staggering 97% increase in revenue. For the average residential customer using 4,000 gallons, this translates to an additional $7.80 per month on their stormwater bill to cover upcoming capital improvements.

The discussion highlighted the complexities of fairly assessing stormwater fees, particularly for large impervious surface properties like Walmart, which should theoretically pay significantly more than average residential customers due to their larger footprint. The officials acknowledged that while it may be more convenient to include stormwater costs in sewer bills, this approach could lead to inequities, especially for commercial properties that contribute disproportionately to stormwater runoff.

Concerns were raised about properties that drain stormwater outside of city limits, complicating the issue of fee assessments. The meeting underscored the need for a separate stormwater fee structure to ensure fairness and adequately address the costs associated with stormwater management.

As the city prepares for potential stormwater improvements, officials emphasized the importance of analyzing the impact of these changes on both residential and commercial customers to develop a sustainable and equitable billing system.