ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager and Finance Director/Comptroller with a Request to ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending CHAPTER 31 of the CODE of the City of Peoria, Pertaining to STORMWATER UTILITY.
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BACKGROUND: Public Works began the investigation of a stormwater utility in 2015 by creating the OneWater Committee. The committee met each month from April to November to learn about the stormwater and combined sewer overflow (CSO) issues, develop a responsible wet weather plan, select preferred funding methods, evaluate rate methodologies, learn about co-benefits of green infrastructure, and learn about potential credits.
Impervious surfaces such as rooftops, sidewalks, patios, and driveways shed water and do not let the water soak into the ground. The stormwater utility fee is based on the amount of impervious surface on a property. The billing unit is 1,000 square feet of impervious area. The current charge for a billing unit will be $5.00 per month per 1,000 square feet of impervious area. The average house is 2,600 square feet.
Staff recommends an amendment to the existing ordinance to put a moratorium on rate increases for 2023. The original ordinance had cost of inflation growth to the fee annually beginning in 2021. Council also approved a moratorium on the rate increase in 2022. The amendment would begin the cost of inflation growth again in 2024.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The ordinance amendment will keep fees flat for all property owners in 2023 while keeping the Storm Water Utility Fund in a strong position.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: None.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: Will suspend the inflation increases for one-year and will keep City revenue’s constant with 2021.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The fee will increase by inflation or a revenue increase of approximately $420,000 to the 2023 budget
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2017 - 2032 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Financially Sound City
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Keep taxes and fees competitive.
2. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
DEPARTMENT: Finance