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• Development of quarterly rates based on funding needs; • Modification of billing and collection systems; • Determination of responsible party(ies) to monitor program implementation; • Solicitation of comments from legal and financial advisers; and • Public information. 3.7 Ordinance The legal basis for the utility should be an ordinance used to guide the corresponding City policy. The ordinance establishes the utility, and outlines the following: • Calculation of utility fees; • Credit system; • Exemptions; • Payment of fee; • City policy; and • Supporting computations. A model ordinance is provided in a subsequent section of this report. The model ordinance differs from some of the more common ordinances in that it establishes a mathematical basis behind the fee system, supported by standard engineering practices. 3.8 Public Hearing A public hearing is required before the ordinance can be adopted. The hearing provides the forum for the general public to speak either for or against the ordinance. 4.0 Fee Basis 4.1 Philosophy The general philosophy behind the storm water utility program is simple - contributors pay (Jouseau, 1983). To develop a fee basis, Lino Lakes must make a determination of which properties pay what amounts. The utility is typically supported by all developed (non- vacant) property within the community. A base unit has been developed for single- family residential properties, which includes rural residential properties. Based on existing land use, the extent of each property classification is estimated. Next, the percentage of impervious area associated with each property classification is determined Using methods outlined by the Soil Conservation Service (Midje, 1992), typical land categories and relative percentages of impervious areas can be determined. Based in part on the percentage of impervious area on a parcel, a runoff index can be assigned to each property type. The runoff index or curve number (CN) is used to estimate the relative amount of rainfall that will run off a parcel. Feasibility Study City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota 112316 Page 14