Title
Public Hearing for Modifications to the Stormwater Rate Structure
PURPOSE: To hold a public hearing on potential modifications to the stormwater rate structure to fund a new residential assistance program.
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
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Contact
CONTACT INFORMATION: Randy Dodd, Stormwater Utility Manager, 919-918-7341, rdodd@carrboronc.gov
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Council Direction
COUNCIL DIRECTION:
___ Race/Equity ____ Climate __x__ Comprehensive Plan __x__Other
Council Direction Statement
The residential program design was created in response to direction provided 1) upon completion of the RainReady study in 2020, and 2) as part of the Carrboro Connects Green Stormwater Infrastructure goals and strategies, noting in particular Goal 4 (expanding green stormwater infrastructure to support watershed restoration and climate resilience), Strategy 4.1 (expanding resources to private property owners), action A (develop programming and financial assistance for income eligible households ). It is also included in the 13 Council strategic priorities.
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Information
INFORMATION: Carrboro’s Stormwater Program has worked since 2019 to create the foundation for a new residential assistance program. Details were presented in the January 9, 2024 agenda item. The program design is founded on recommendations from Carrboro Connects and the 2020 RainReady study, an understanding of best practices from similar programs in several nearby jurisdictions, the results of pilot work in 2023 that involved 70 Carrboro residents, program design review by the Stormwater Advisory Commission, and Stormwater staff’s input on what is needed to administer the program and integrate it into the larger Stormwater Utility’s workload and responsibilities. A stormwater fee increase is recommended to support the program. A public hearing is required for changes to the rate structure. It is recommended that a decision on the recommended changes occur at this meeting or as soon thereafter as possible to provide ample time for preparation of the FY 24/25 operating budget and incorporation as part of the annual stormwater billing cycle implemented through property tax bills. Attachments to support the resolution and recommendation include the racial equity pocket questions, program design document and a staff memo.
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL IMPACT: Approving the recommended change in the Equivalent Residential Unit rate from $90 to $100 and associated increase in the fees paid by nonexempt property owners will bring in about $120k in new revenue per year to the Stormwater Enterprise Fund to support one new Stormwater position and cost share funding for the new program.
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Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the Council approve the draft amendments to the Stormwater Utility rate structure to fund the new assistance program.
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