Taxpayers Could Face New Stormwater Fee

BRADENTON – Manatee County Commissioners continued to move toward the implementation of a stormwater fee during a work session on Tuesday. At this coming Tuesday's meeting, the board will discuss a proposed rate before starting a public outreach program that will precede any vote on the issue, which is expected before the end of the year. However, there is still disagreement as to how the fee will be determined and how much it will be.

Manatee County Public Works Director Chad Butzow explained that the county's $13.6 million stormwater program is funded through solid waste (garbage) fees, property taxes, phosphate taxes and gas taxes. A separate presentation by the county's utility staff pointed out a future need for a new county landfill and said that the solid waste fees currently supporting the stormwater program will be needed to fund one in coming years.

For much of 2019, the board has discussed the current stormwater program which helps reduce roadway flooding and improves local water quality by maintaining public stormwater pipes, ditches, canals, ponds and other structures that filter pollutants before stormwater reaches water bodies.

Butzow is proposing a stormwater fee that he says is similar to those imposed by Manatee County's six municipalities and several neighboring counties. The calculation will be based on the amount of impervious surface area on each property. Butzow called it an "equitable way to deal with stormwater."

Two proposed stormwater fee rates were proposed. The first, an $8.62/month fee for the average-sized single-family home, would bring in $17.4 million annually beginning 2021.

A separate proposed rate of $12.55/month for the average-sized single-family home would bring in $25.39 million annually beginning 2021. Butzow said the higher rate would fund enhancing the stormwater program, meaning more frequent canal cleaning, pond spraying and street sweeping, and a more efficient overall stormwater maintenance system.

Commissioners Whitmore and Benac were the most vocal proponents of the plan with Whitmore claiming public demand for the service that would be provided is high and that residents wouldn't stand for a long delay.

"I totally support an enhanced level of service for our stormwater program," said Commissioner Carol Whitmore. "I don’t think citizens would endorse the level of service we provide today. To me, any delay is not listening to our voters who have requested this for years and years."

Commissioner Baugh said that given the county's strong financial position, it would be difficult to sell taxpayers on such a big new fee. Commissioner Priscilla Trace said she supported better ditch drainage as much as anyone but did not support a fee that would be that high.

On Tuesday, commissioners are expected to direct county staff to get started on a staff-recommended "60-day education campaign" in October and November to build public support, while drafting an ordinance that would be voted on at a later date.