Austin Council Considering Establishing $5 Monthly Storm Water Fee

Austin Council Considering Establishing $5 Monthly Storm Water Fee

To deal with surface water runoff and drainage following rain events, the Austin City Council is considering establishing a monthly storm water fee on property owners inside the city limits. According to a legal notice found on page 3 of the print edition Crothersville Times and online at crothersvilletimes.com, a public hearing on the matter will be held at 5 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 13. The proposed ordinance would create a Department of Storm Water Management to administer the City of Austin Storm Water Management District. A storm water user fee would be established to provide for the construction, operation, oversight, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the City’s storm water system. Under the proposed ordinance, an Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) would be established as 2,800 square feet of impervious surface area, such as roof, sidewalk and paved driveway. The proposed monthly storm water user fee is $5.00 per ERU. Single-family residential and agricultural parcels will be deemed to contain one ERU and will be charged $5.00 per month on the town’s monthly utility bill. Business, commercial and industrial parcels will be charged based upon the total impervious surface area of the property divided by the 2,800 sq. ft. ERU and multiplied by the $5.00 monthly rate. The proposed ordinance also adopts storm water management policies and procedures, establishes stormwater management plan review requirements and related fees, creates a dedicated Storm Water Fund, and provides procedures for adjustments and appeals. A copy of the proposed ordinance and related Storm Water Oversight and Management Policy is available for inspection at the Austin Clerk-Treasurer’s office during regular business hours.