Hillsborough commissioners accept stormwater rate study and set summer hearing on possible fee changes

The Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners on April 15 received and accepted an updated 2026 stormwater rate study that recommends increased capital and maintenance funding to address aging drainage infrastructure.

Josh Belotti, of the county’s engineering and operations department, told commissioners the study (prepared with consultant Raftelis and informed by Black & Veatch) estimates $61,600,000 in annual capital needs for stormwater projects across the unincorporated county. Belotti said projected revenues from a potential CIT renewal and CDBG‑DR funding total about $19,800,000 annually, leaving an uncovered capital need of roughly $41,800,000 per year.

Belotti also noted operations and maintenance cannot be funded with CIT or CDBG‑DR dollars; the study estimates an additional $1,800,000 per year would increase maintenance activities by about 10% countywide. The study shows culvert replacement as the largest capital program and identifies neighborhood flood protection, pump‑station improvements and ditch restoration among top priorities.

Commissioner Gwen Myers moved to receive the report and to schedule a public meeting later this summer to consider whether the stormwater assessment should remain unchanged or be adjusted; Commissioner Harry Cohen seconded the motion, which passed 7–0. Staff said that, if the board contemplates a rate change, public‑hearing notices would typically be mailed in late June or early July and the hearing held in August to permit updates to the tax rolls in September.

The board did not set a new rate at the meeting; commissioners asked staff for guidance on funding scenarios and the timing needed to mail individual notices to property owners if a change is proposed. The county will return with public‑hearing materials and options for the board to consider.