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| What is a Stormwater Fee or Utility? |
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| Just like water, sewer, gas, and other utility services, users are charged a fee for the service of controlling stormwater. The fee would apply to all developed properties, including homes, businesses and non-profit organizations. These fees would provide a dedicated revenue stream, restricted for use on stormwater system maintenance, operations of stormwater management controls, and for stormwater systems planning, permitting and construction. |
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| What does the Stormwater Fee pay for? |
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| The Stormwater Fee would provide funding to implement new enhanced programs for preventive maintenance, repair and improvements to the City’s storm drain system. With these programs, entire storm drain systems in large areas of the City would be systematically cleaned on a periodic basis before serious problems—such as standing water or environmental damage—occur and investment will be made in much needed capital improvements to upgrade drainage service throughout the city. |
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| How much will this cost? |
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| Based on an analysis of Roanoke single family properties using aerial photography and GIS tools, we found that the average impervious surface per property was 1,920 square feet – this includes roofs, driveways, walkways, and outbuildings. To fund the enhanced stormwater program, we are proposing a fee of approximately $3 per single family property per month. Non-single family properties such as businesses, federal buildings, houses of worship, apartment complexes, etc. will be billed at a rate of approximately $3 per 1,920 square feet of impervious area (this billing unit is called the ERU – the equivalent residential unit). Unimproved lots will not be charged. |
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| What is stormwater runoff? |
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| Stormwater runoff is the rain and melting snow that does not soak into the ground. Driveways, parking lots, rooftops, roads, and other hard surfaces are examples of impervious surfaces that do not allow the water to be absorbed by the ground. |
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| What problems can runoff cause? |
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| The continued urban growth in and around Roanoke has caused an increase in impervious surface, resulting in increased runoff. This additional runoff can create problems with standing water, threats to public safety, and allows pollutants to enter our rivers and streams. |
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| Will this help with flooding? |
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| It really depends on your definition of flooding. A more aggressive approach to stormwater management, over time, will help reduce standing water caused by clogged drains and insufficient drainage. Areas where standing water caused by limited drainage may see the problems lessened or even eliminated.
That said, this initiative will have only moderate effect of large scale weather events. Controlling flooding on a larger scale is normally the aim of flood reduction projects. |
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| Why does Roanoke need a Stormwater Fee? |
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| This Stormwater Fee is needed to provide a proactive, strategic and customer service-driven approach to stormwater management that will lead to improved services for residents and business owners. In addition, the funds will be used to implement a comprehensive stormwater quality management plan. Dedicated funds for stormwater management will provide enhanced public safety and health, resources to help mitigate problems with standing water, increased maintenance funding, and resources to meet existing and future regulatory requirements.
Our experience has been that while it is easy to recognize the benefits of stormwater system upkeep and investment, it is difficult to fund when faced with issues such as police service and school funding. A dedicated, user-based source of revenue is the fairest and most stable way to ensure our stormwater system is managed effectively now and into the future. |
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| What if I disagree with the charge? |
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| There will be an appeals process that will allow you to review your charges and request a change in your fee if there is an error in the calculated charge. |
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| How will I be billed? |
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| To minimize the cost of billing, most users will be billed on their real estate tax bill. We are looking at options for larger rate payers, and will publish that information as soon as it becomes available. We will also be adding a sample bill to this website as soon as the details are worked out. |
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| When will the billing begin? |
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| No specific timetable has been approved, however it is likely the first billing will occur sometime in 2010. Your billing will be according to normal real estate assessment cycles, though some large users may be billed more frequently. |
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| Will we have an opportunity to voice our opinion on the proposed fee? |
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| Many outreach meetings have already been conducted, however, a public hearing related to the ordinance will be conducted prior to the adoption of any final rules or formal fee. We value citizen input and it will be an important part of the ultimate process of creating a strong and sustainable stormwater program. A public hearing is tentatively scheduled for January 19, 2010. |
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| Can I reduce my bill through incentives? |
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| There will be opportunities for property owners to earn credits through improving stormwater efficiency on your property. The credit program details will be made available as soon as possible. |
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| What if the fee is not implemented? |
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| Our stormwater system has reached a critical impasse. We must make investments now. The alternative is higher taxes, but there are inherent problems with that approach. Taxes become part of the budget which must then be allocated and requires a lot of administrative effort and expense each cycle. The fee, which is based on the amount of stormwater services a user requires, is the most equitable way to insure our stormwater system will be adequate to support the needs of our community. |
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