Staff begins feasibility study for stormwater utility to fund maintenance and credits

Public works staff told the committee the village is exploring creation of a stormwater utility to provide dedicated funding for stormwater infrastructure maintenance and regulatory-credit programs.

Staff said consultant Strand is completing a stormwater study that will identify pond maintenance priorities, potential dredging needs and opportunities to meet local regulatory-credit programs including Yahara WINS. Staff explained current stormwater costs are covered in part by the village levy and that a utility would instead use user-based fees (equivalent residential units or similar) to allocate cost by impervious area, which would allow charging tax-exempt entities and larger commercial users in proportion to their stormwater impact.

Staff said initial discussion envisions starting the process in 2026 and potential implementation in 2027, pending board and utility-commission decisions and public outreach. If the village moves forward, staff recommended shifting stormwater management from public works oversight into a utility commission structure and adjusting the levy to reflect the transition.

Why it matters: A dedicated stormwater utility would create a stable, equitable funding source to maintain recently installed infrastructure and pay for periodic capital work the village currently lacks budget to sustain.

Next steps: Strand will complete the stormwater study; staff will return to the committee with options and proposed implementation steps for board consideration.