About
A Stormwater Fee is a fee for the service of providing conveyance of stormwater away from properties’ impervious surfaces into collection systems, natural drainage or waterways. Stormwater fees are based on the contribution of stormwater to the city’s stormwater management system, and represents the most equitable way for the community to share the cost of the public service of stormwater management.
Stormwater fees provide a dedicated source of funding that does not compete with other community priorities.
Stormwater management authority is given to the local governments by the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Law. The utility fee concept for stormwater financing is a growing mechanism for providing revenue for stormwater programs.
There are no rate methodology requirements in Missouri, and fee structures are at the discretion of the city council boards. And, a stormwater utility is not required to access a stormwater fee. Often, stormwater fees are integrated with wastewater service fees.
The Missouri State Constitution’s Hancock Amendment is unclear about whether a stormwater service fee requires voter approval. Recent case law suggests in Missouri voter approval is required to access a stormwater fee.
Project Examples
92% of Black and Veatch’s 2018 Stormwater Utility Survey - survey respondents reported using impervious area as basis for stormwater fees. Average monthly, single-family rate has increased over the past few years and is $5.48 in 2018. 54% use a uniform flat fee, but can also individually calculate or use a tiered rate.
Columbia, MO’s - average monthly residential charge is $2.25
Topeka, KS - $4.50
Lawrence, KS - $5.30
Wichita, KS – $3.50
One of the ways that the City of Aurora finances green infrastructure and stormwater management projects is with a stormwater management fee, a $6.90 bimonthly charge to each residential and business water and sewer service account.
Consult your community’s attorney and financial advisors prior to moving forward with any of these funding options. Any reference in this website to any person, or organization, or activities, products, or services related to such person or organization, or any linkages from this website to the website of another party, do not constitute or imply the endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of companies or organizations.