Upon hearing the likelihood of a sharp increase in electricity rates this summer, I have decided after consulting with Department of Public Utilities Director Chris Beschler and Chief Administrative Officer Sheila Hill-Christian, that the City will delay the Stormwater Utility Program until further notice. 

The drainage needs of the City are well known, and we have made considerable progress in the last three years. We consider it prudent to postpone this program as citizens who have already felt the impact of gas price increases are now likely to see increases in monthly electricity bills this summer, not to mention the possibility of $50 daily fines for wayward trash cans as approved by City Council.

In lieu of our preferred original proposal, I am recommending that we continue to fund a stormwater management program - but not a full utility – using the General Fund budget. This is an available funding source, but is funded through a tax – not a fee – and thus exempts organizations such as government entities and non-profits. Nevertheless, until such time we can implement a full Stormwater Utility, this is considered our best option.

One of the worst options we can consider is to inadequately fund a Stormwater Utility Program.  Inadequate funding of such a program will fail to meet community expectations and lead to service shortages and delays that will not be received favorably by our community. Furthermore, it will be much more difficult in the future to enact a proactive Stormwater Utility if expectations are diminished by using this option with insufficient funding.

When the City enacts a Stormwater Utility, we need to do so smartly and strategically, not half-way.

As a result, I am directing DPU Director Beschler to remove all proposals for a Stormwater Utility from Council consideration in the hopes that, in time, the City will be able to re-introduce this proposal and fully address our drainage needs.

NOTE: This action will NOT halt the reduction of residential water rates over the next five years. That will continue as planned.