Councilors reviewed the stormwater account and asked how stormwater projects will proceed in coming years, including whether the city will pursue bonding to accelerate larger regional projects.

Renee, the director of public works, and staff told the council that the stormwater fund is a restricted fund overseen by a stormwater advisory board and reported a beginning balance of $3,020,753. Staff said that fund revenue stays in the fund and cannot be spent on general operations. A staff member told the council: “that fund can't do any regional projects without bonding,” adding that the council had previously refused a bond and therefore the city has been saving revenue year to year.

Councilors pressed for clarity on which stormwater projects are planned. Staff identified several near-term projects, including drainage work at the community park parking lot and a project on an industrial property that is part of an earlier five-project list; staff said two of five major projects have been completed and the city has prioritized the remainder.

A number of councilors tied stormwater spending to neighborhood impacts and property values — urging a focus on drainage projects that reduce flooding and enable residents to sell and enjoy their properties. Staff said larger regional interventions would require bonding or other financing beyond the restricted fund.

Staff also described the revenue stream for the fund: they said the city receives roughly $3 million a year in stormwater tax revenue between spring and fall levies. The advisory board approves use of the stormwater fund and the council packet includes the fund summary page that shows the beginning balance and revenue projections.

Councilors asked for a capital improvement plan to better align and prioritize projects, and staff said they are working on a plan to update project rankings and timing.