Almost five months after the city lowered nonresidential rates for stormwater fees, some City Council members say they’re keeping a watchful eye on the program’s budget.
“I want to look at each year to see if conditions have changed,” said Councilman Jack Benson.
The nonresidential rate for stormwater, or water quality, fees is scheduled to rise automatically – from $6.15 a month per equivalent residential unit to $7.25 cents a month – when property tax bills start going out in October.
The hike is part of Mayor Ron Littlefield’s plan to ramp up the stormwater fee to the same as the residential rate within five years.
The City Council hiked the residential rate in April to $115.20 a year from $24 or $36. Nonresidential rates are based on the size of the facility compared to a home. Nonresidential users include businesses, churches and institutions such as schools.