DeKalb committee approves stormwater fee increase with $700,000 annual green infrastructure set‑aside

The DeKalb County Public Works and Infrastructure Committee on June 19 approved a proposed stormwater utility fee increase and added a $700,000 annual set-aside for district-directed green infrastructure projects, directing staff to pursue concurrent watershed master plans.

Staff framed the increase as a modest per-customer charge needed to fund aging infrastructure and an expanded capital program. Presenter Rich summarized inspection work that reviewed roughly 1,000 pipes and identified about 155 assets in poor or inoperable condition; he recommended a mix of full replacement for critical failing pipes and less intrusive lining for others. Rich said the county is prioritizing upgrades to raise system performance toward the county standard and to reduce flood risk at single‑ingress/egress locations.

Commissioner Terry and others asked for the draft ordinance language and confirmation that the previously established green infrastructure set-aside remains. Commissioners negotiated a friendly amendment to the approval to set aside $700,000 annually for green infrastructure projects (rather than a district-split or smaller amount) and to roll forward prior green-infrastructure funds to start the program next year.

The committee also directed that the remaining watershed/master plans be completed concurrently rather than sequentially; staff said they already have proposals in hand and can run concurrent work. Commissioners discussed selection and project-identification mechanics and requested that details about project selection and district versus basin allocation be worked out in the ordinance and administrative procedures.

Rich described the program's priorities: maintain life and property safety, avoid traffic and community disruption, and pursue regional green infrastructure opportunities where feasible. The committee voted to approve the item in committee and asked staff to provide final ordinance language before the full commission vote.

Next steps: staff will prepare the ordinance text, confirm the roll-forward of prior green funds to seed the $700,000 set-aside, and return with any additional fiscal details and language for the full commission and for public posting ahead of the tax-bill schedule.