Drainage fee to rise 5% as engineering cost allocations increase transfers

Staff presented the drainage fund budget and a proposed 5% rate change measured by square footage of impervious surface. The staff presentation noted watershed operations have been moved to Environmental Services and that drainage capital in FY27 is planned at $4,000,000, fully revenue funded. A board member asked why interfund transfers jumped year‑over‑year; a city chief strategic officer explained the increase reflects a cost allocation for engineering services supporting drainage projects: "That is a result of the work that they are doing to support this utility."

Board members requested additional detail on the transfers before council approval; staff said they would provide more information. The board moved and unanimously recommended approval of the drainage fund FY26–27 operating and capital budget.