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method of financing the administration, planning, implementation, and maintenance of storm water management programs. The utility is nothing more than a service charge or fee. A utility fee is typically charged against all developed parcels within Lino Lakes based on the premise of "contributors pay ". Where land is in a natural state, most rain soaks into the ground or is retained in small depressions. Where development has been prevalent, rooftops, driveways, and parking lots prevent rainfall from soaking into the ground. The rain runs off into streets, ditches, ponds and lakes, creating the need for drainage systems and to protect the quality of our water resources. Therefore, the fee is based on how much storm water runoff and /or pollutant load is contributed by a particular parcel. This consistent, dependable revenue source provides dedicated funds to manage the drainage systems and water quality improvements without increasing property taxes or using assessments. A utility also provides the means to handle increasing costs through small adjustments in utility charges. 3.2 How Will it Benefit the Community? The utility benefits the community by providing a dedicated fund for storm water management activities. Benefits associated with storm water management include: • Flood reduction and protection; • Water quality improvements; • Wetland protection and enhancement; Erosion and sediment control; • Drainage system construction and maintenance; • Community education; • Improved fish, and wildlife habitat; and ■ Enhanced recreational opportunities These are baseline costs for Storm Water Management that the City incurs, regardless of total parcel size or property values. These baseline costs include components of the NPDES MS4 program, personnel, street sweeping equipment, and regular maintenance of the system. Therefore, all properties currently contribute to the City's storm water management system. 3.3 Assuring Success To assure success in adopting a utility, the need for the utility must be understood by the public. The following steps should be taken: 1. Consideration of the implementation. If the mechanisms for billing and handling revenue are in place, as is the case with sewer and water charges, there is one less hurdle to cross. 2. A second point to be considered is who will provide the majority of the revenue. The public must believe the right properties are being charged the right amount. Feasibility Study 112316 City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota Page 12