Council approves first reading of stormwater utility ordinance, residents to pay $3/month

Council took the first reading of Ordinance No. 874 to establish a stormwater drainage utility to fund detention, ponds, storm sewers and maintenance. Staff described a rate structure that would charge residential accounts $3 per household per month and assess commercial properties on a scale based on impervious surface area; that residential figure was read aloud during the meeting: "residential iss at $3 per household per month."

Staff estimated the utility could generate roughly $70,000 to $80,000 in annual revenue and said the new fee would relieve some pressure on the sewer fund and road‑use tax currently covering stormwater costs. Billing was described as handled through the utility billing system, with staff indicating the program could be implemented beginning Jan. 1, subject to final ordinance adoption and administrative setup.

Council approved the first reading and will consider subsequent steps, including public notice, billing changes and any necessary adjustments to the rate schedule at a future meeting.