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Page 2 a storm drain utility was created because it was f.elt .to be the right way to • approach storm drainage, rather than it being installed as a way out of financial problems. Fortunately, Roseville is a fiscally sound and solvent communit which has through sound management been able to avoid personnel lay-offs over the past difficult years. The city had actually been aware of the opportunities available through a storm drainage utility for many years, but due to the state law in Minnesota not specifically stating that a storm drain utility was permitted by a city, it was not possible. This changed in 1983, however, when several cities joined together to get legislation passed which specifically allowed the establishment, of storm drainage utilities. The emphasis also came from the passage at the same time of a state law requiring the establishment of storm drainage planning organizations throughout the entire Twin City metropolitan area. There are • several advantages to a storm drainage utility. Some of these are as follows: 1. Fair -- Charges are based on how much of the problem the property owner creates. Property taxes on the other hand frequently bare little relationship to how much or what quality storm. water leaves a site. 2. Dependable -- The funding technique produces consistent funding levels and an easy to project source of revenue. 3. Dedicated funds -- There is no competition for the use of these funds for other city activities. Storm drainage, historically, has not been a high visibility, emotional subject and, therefor, has received less than its share of funds in competitive situations. 4. Unrestricted use -- The funds can be used for any type of administra- tive, planning, maintenance, reconstruction, new construction, or other use associated with storm drainage. 5. Legally defensible, -- h!ore and more special assessment projects are being challenged in the courts with benefits being difficult to