Rising Sun board approves bulk-water fee schedule and emergency stormwater ordinance

The Town of Rising Sun's mayor and board of commissioners approved two formal items at their March 14 meeting: a fee schedule amendment to permit small-scale bulk water sales and an updated stormwater management ordinance adopted as an emergency measure.

The board approved Resolution 2023-02 to add a tanker-truck and small-scale bulk water purchase program to the town's fee schedule. Town staff explained the program targets private businesses and haulers that request water fills (not household customers) and requires users within town limits to comply with Chapter 13 of the town's codified ordinances (Stormwater Management) to remain MS4 compliant. The resolution established per-fill charges of $125 for up to 1,000 gallons, $250 for 1,001–6,000 gallons, $350 for 6,001–10,000 gallons, and $500 for volumes greater than 10,000 gallons. A commissioner asked for and received confirmation that residents filling private pools would be charged at normal metered water rates rather than under the new bulk-water fees.

The board then voted to adopt Ordinance 2023-02, an update to the town's stormwater management code that the town said was revised in response to comments from the Maryland Department of the Environment. The ordinance clarifies responsibilities for design, construction, maintenance and inspection of stormwater management facilities, reorders code sections to meet state expectations, includes provisions for waivers and variances following state guidelines, and allows for inspection fees and transfer of performance guarantees as projects move from Cecil County oversight to town control.

Both measures were moved, seconded and passed on voice votes; the meeting transcript records unanimous "Aye" responses and no recorded opposition. The consent agenda (minutes and routine items) was also approved earlier in the meeting by voice vote.

Next steps: staff will implement the fee schedule for small-scale bulk purchases and update administrative processes tied to Chapter 13 enforcement; the stormwater ordinance will take effect immediately under the board's emergency adoption.