Fernandina Beach approves first reading of stormwater fee overhaul amid business outreach concerns

The Fernandina Beach City Commission on July 7 approved on first reading a rewrite of the city’s stormwater ordinance that changes how fees are calculated, officials said.

Utilities Director Andre Desilets told the commission the ordinance moves stormwater charges from a flat fee to a structure based on measured impervious coverage and establishes three residential tiers (under 1,500 sq ft; 1,500–6,000; above 6,000). Under the proposal, the base monthly single-family residential charge would rise from $14.36 to $16.75, multifamily discounts would be reduced from 50% to 30%, and the private-retention discount would be eliminated.

"We started out with our stormwater master plan and followed that with a detailed rate study," Desilets said, summarizing the legal ordinance language and the practical impacts for homeowners and businesses. He said about 25 properties exceed 10 Equivalent Residential Units and staff will contact those stakeholders between first and second reading.

City Attorney Theresa Prince and staff noted the change aims to align charges with proportional impact on the city’s stormwater infrastructure. Commissioner Teague, who supported the ordinance, said the study shows the stormwater fund will not support needed capital improvements without these changes: "If the commercial properties are not going to pay for their enormous amounts of impervious surface... then the homeowners will pay," he said.

Several commissioners urged earlier, broader outreach to large commercial property owners and churches; Vice Mayor Askew and others expressed concern that significant customers had not been notified prior to first reading. Desilets answered that contacting those stakeholders is his first task before second reading.

The commission voted 4–1 to approve first reading. Desilets said staff will begin individualized outreach to high-ERU customers and return for second reading with any refinements and additional stakeholder feedback.

What’s next: The ordinance returns for a required second reading; staff said they will engage directly with large commercial accounts and provide updated revenue-impact analysis prior to the next vote.