Douglas County delays vote on stormwater utility after hours of public comment

Douglas County commissioners on Thursday postponed final action on a proposed countywide stormwater utility after a day of lengthy public comment that repeatedly criticized the draft rate maps and the classification of ‘‘impervious’’ materials.

The board heard dozens of residents who argued the proposed ordinance (2026-1670) and rate resolution (2026R-33) were not ready for adoption, urged placing the measure on the ballot, and disputed consultant maps that mark gravel and hard-packed dirt as impervious. Assistant County Manager Wendy Lang and County Manager Jennifer Davidson told the board staff’s recommendation was to take no action and to expand public engagement, including formation of a task force to rework key policy issues.

Why it matters: Residents said the maps and rate schedule — which showed small numbers of parcels with very high monthly charges — created immediate hardship and eroded public trust. Many speakers urged the county to pursue grant funding and developer impact fees before imposing a broad monthly charge on property owners.

What the board decided: Commissioners removed several agenda items earlier in the day and then voted to defer adoption of the ordinance and the rate resolution. Chairman Gardner and other commissioners apologized for communication gaps that allowed the rate maps to be posted publicly before the county had completed adequate outreach. The board directed staff to keep the stormwater program operating while continuing community engagement.

Staff action and next steps: Staff said the stormwater division will continue operating without newly adopted rates. County staff recommended a task force to review the rate structure, impervious-surface definitions, hardship protections and program governance; the board asked staff to return with a proposal for a task force and additional outreach options at a June meeting. County staff also set up a sign-up mechanism and an email address for people who want updates on the process.

What residents said: Comments came from neighborhoods across the county. Mimi Moss urged the board to remove the stormwater items and send the matter to the ballot so voters can decide. Several residents, including engineers and former county staff, said the consultant’s maps misclassified gravel and that other funding options — grants, tax increment financing and developer impact fees — had not been fully exhausted.

What the county said in response: Staff acknowledged that the publication of rate maps created alarm, described the maps as a step in the process, and said more vetting and outreach are required. Davidson and Lang described specific steps staff will take, including more neighborhood meetings, a possible task force, and continued work to secure grant funding tied to projects.

The meeting’s immediate effect: The board did not vote on the ordinance or the rate resolution. Commissioners signaled that any future rate proposal must be clearer, defensible and accompanied by additional hearings and technical clarifications — particularly on how ‘‘impervious’’ surfaces are defined and how low-income or fixed-income residents will be protected.

The board also adopted the county’s 2026–27 budget without the proposed stormwater fees and approved a $1.1 million transfer from the general fund to keep the stormwater enterprise funded in the coming year while public review continues.