STORM WATER UTILITY
Storm Water Utility is the same as an electric, water or sanitary sewer utility. Properties pay a fee for a commodity they use
Revenues will be used for storm water repairs, improvements and new additions to the system
All properties pay a storm water fee the same as all properties pay for water, sewer and electricity
The residential fee is proposed at $2/month and is based on an average 3,400 square foot of impervious surface. 3,400 sf is the “average residential unit”
Commercial/industrial property fees will be determined by the number of average residential units of impervious surface which is called an “equivalent residential unit”. For example: 51,000 sf of impervious surface = 15 eru’s or $30/month
Gravel is not considered an impervious surface
Property owners can appeal their monthly fee to staff who will review the information and then make a recommendation to council
If the amount of impervious surface changes, adjustments can be made to the monthly fee
Estimated annual revenue is $250,000 based on a $2 eru
Storms in 2008 and 2010 showed weaknesses in the Indianola storm water system. Thru review by an engineer with the assistance of the street and sewer superintendents, there is an estimated $800,000 expense for repairs and improvements to Indianola’s storm water system. The estimated tax rate necessary to pay for this project is 25 cents.
It is estimated that a storm water utility will reduce the tax rate by about 10 cents for current projects (Stephen Court and South Buxton)
The combined 35 cents would save a home valued at $175,000 about $29 annually compared to the $24 annual cost of a storm water utility
The storm water utility revenue can also be used for street sweeping which is currently funded by a diminishing Road Use Tax Fund. About $65,000 is spent annually to sweep Indianola streets.
