Purpose
The stormwater utility fee is used for construction, maintenance and operation of public stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects. The fee funds studies of drainage problems and compliance with all state, federal and local stormwater programs and mandates. It is also used to monitor water quality in the city's surface waters.
The stormwater utility fee is necessary to provide stormwater drainage facilities in the public right of ways throughout the city to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of the city's residents and businesses may be protected. The fee is used to address localized flooding issues, impassable streets and property damage that repetitively occurs during heavy rains.
The stormwater run-off from the rain carries pollutants from streets, parking lots and driveways into our streams, lakes and ground water. Rain recharges our aquifer system, which is the current source of the city's drinking water. If stormwater runoff is not treated properly, there is a risk of ground water contamination and costlier potable water.
For more information, see the Stormwater Utility Fee FAQs.