Drainage board sets July 14 hearing on Lowmax/Blowmax rate changes

The board set a public hearing to consider raising rates on the Lowmax/Blowmax system, selecting July 14 for the hearing. The rates read into the record by staff and discussed by board members included keeping acreage at $5 per acre, home sites at $20, establishing a hard‑surface runoff rate of $60, and assigning a commercial structure fee of $250, with collections spread over four years.

Board members discussed minimums and mechanics of the rate schedule; a minimum charge of $5 was emphasized as the floor. One member questioned the relative burden on small businesses if commercial parcels were charged $250 while some home sites would pay $20; the board discussed pricing by impervious area rather than a flat commercial fee.

After discussion the board moved and approved scheduling the public hearing and putting the proposed rates on the hearing notice so property owners can comment.