07/12/2010 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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{AL rIAA.itt . ) 63.1,44 c c Val Q, Gz S� ss fcr-, tz /zcio Paying for stormwater management Those of us living in Lino Lakes understand the importance of preserv- ing our lakes, rivers and wetlands. We know that when rain falls on paved streets, parking lots and rooftops, it collects materials that pollute our wa- ter resources. This runoff can contain fertilizers, oil, chemicals and sedi- ments that drain into our storm sewers and are transported to our lakes and wetlands. Federal regulations have tightened over the years, requiring cities to take specific actions to control further degradation of our water systems. Lino Lakes is proactive in following best management practices to protect the natural resources that makes Lino Lakes such a great place to live. The City of Lino Lakes budgets within its general levy each year for main- taining the city's stormwater management systems. City staff spends many hours each year inspecting, maintaining and repairing our holding ponds, catch basins, storm water pipes and other pollution prevention devices. They clean storm drains, sweep the streets, monitor construction sites, and collaborate with other public agencies to upgrade our systems to the highest standards. Staff also educates and assists homeowners so that all of us can help protect our valuable natural resources. Currently, residents in Lino Lakes pay for these services through their property taxes. If that method continues, in 2011 a homeowner living in a single family home with a median market value of $185,000 will pay ap- proximately $51 per year toward stormwater management. People living in higher valued homes would pay more, and tax exempt properties, such as schools and churches, pay nothing toward stormwater management. What is a stormwater utility? A stormwater utility finances the costs of stormwater management with a "user fee" just like water or sewer usage. The rate structure is based on the land use, parcel size and density of development on a site. Basing a fee on how much water runoff is contributed by a particular use makes a utility fee more fair and equitable to everyone. Most cities in the metro area have already adopted a storm water utility. After considerable study, Lino Lakes city officials believe this method is the most equitable, and will actually lower the cost to single family hom- eowners. The real costs of stormwater management will now be distributed so that those who place greater burdens on the systems will pay their fair share.