Senate introduces stormwater drainage utility bill; sponsor says fees require voter approval

Senate File 116, a bill that would clarify how municipalities form and finance stormwater or surface-water drainage utilities, was introduced and passed its introduction vote before being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Senator Crum, the bill's sponsor, told colleagues the measure interprets current law (he cited statute provisions) to make clear that a proposition imposing the means of financing a surface water drainage utility must be submitted "to and adopted by the electors within that proposed surface water utility drainage area." He urged lawmakers to let voters decide how to pay for large stormwater projects, saying local referenda are the appropriate check on municipal fees.

In describing local practice, Crum warned some governments have framed user fees as a way to fund multi-million-dollar projects and said those fees are widely viewed by residents as a "rain tax." He also raised examples he said he had seen in his community and elsewhere, telling the body that counties, schools and public institutions could face substantial monthly bills if a utility and its financing are implemented without clear voter authorization.

The introduction vote was recorded as 31 ayes; Senate File 116 was referred to committee number 1, Judiciary, for further consideration.