BRADENTON – After explaining plans to implement a new stormwater management fee to the public, county officials have responded to concerns and slowed down the process, canceling five upcoming informational meetings so that county staff can work on a revised plan to present to commissioners. According to the new timeline, the fee, if enacted, would not be implemented before 2021.

Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea announced the change in plans on Tuesday.The canceled meetings were scheduled for Nov. 8, 12, 25 and 26, in order for each commissioner to speak to residents about the proposed fee. Coryea said that instead, county staff will work to prepare a detailed plan that will be presented to the board in February.

"By February we will bring to the board our recommendations for immediate steps to address the most severely impacted areas to ensure we're doing what we can to avoid flooding and enhance water quality," Coryea told county commissioners. "At that time we'll also bring you our data-gathering plan and report completion for 2020 to fully address the common concerns we've heard so far. By first quarter 2021, the board will have a comprehensive stormwater report and a list of appropriate projects to make a strong decision on the most appropriate stormwater rate."

Coryea said that public feedback played a big role in the decision.

"We’ve been listening to the public and many of the outstanding questions they have about how will agricultural lands be handled, potential incentives for homeowner associations and community development districts that pay a stormwater fee for privately owned stormwater systems and more," Coryea said. "In coming months, county staff will continue working with our stormwater consultant to resolve or address many of the public concerns."

Coryea said the extra time will also give non-profit and commercial owners more time to budget for a stormwater fee in 2021. Commissioners agreed that more is needed to improve stormwater maintenance throughout the county, but they have not yet taken a position on what that will look like, in terms of a funding mechanism.

Commissioners were presented with two proposed stormwater rates in September. Under one, most homeowners would pay around $60 annually. The funding would allow the county to double its stormwater maintenance efforts to address both water quantity and water quality. A proposed higher rate of around $90 on average, would provide funding for the county to improve water quality and the countywide system to address areas that flood most frequently.

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