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Provisions of the City charter would need to be reviewed to identify any <br />additional requirements for a special tax district. <br />3.0 Implementing Lino Lakes' Utility <br />3.1 What Is a Storm Water Management Utility? <br />Let's start with what the utility is not. The utility is not a new level of <br />government, nor is the utility a new tax. A Storm Water Utility is simply a <br />method of financing the administration, planning, implementation, and <br />maintenance of storm water management programs. This utility does not <br />replace existing funding sources —it complements them. <br />The utility is nothing more than a service charge or fee. A utility fee is <br />typically charged against all developed parcels within Lino Lakes based on <br />the premise of "contributors pay ". Where land is in a natural state, most rain <br />soaks into the ground or is retained in small depressions. Where development <br />has been prevalent, rooftops, driveways, and parking lots prevent rainfall <br />from soaking into the ground. The rain runs off into streets, ditches, ponds <br />and lakes, creating the need for drainage systems and to protect the quality of <br />our water resources. Therefore, the fee is based on how much storm water <br />runoff and/or pollutant load is contributed by a particular parcel. <br />This consistent, dependable revenue source provides dedicated funds to <br />manage the drainage systems and water quality improvements without <br />increasing property taxes or using assessments. A utility also provides the <br />means to handle increasing costs through small adjustments in utility <br />charges. <br />3.2 How Will it Benefit the Community? <br />The utility benefits the community by providing a dedicated fund for storm <br />water management activities. Benefits associated with storm water <br />management include: <br />• Flood reduction and protection; <br />• Water quality improvements; <br />• Wetland protection and enhancement; <br />• Erosion and sediment control; <br />• Drainage system construction and maintenance; <br />• Community education; <br />• Improved fish, and wildlife habitat; and <br />• Enhanced recreational opportunities <br />3.3 Assuring Success <br />To assure success in adopting a utility, the need for the utility must be <br />understood by the public. The following steps should be taken: <br />Feasibility Study A- LINOL0602.00 <br />City of Lino Lakes, Minnesota Page 12 <br />