Medina's Storm Water Utility
Storm Water is water generated by
precipitation, which creates a runoff that collects surface pollutants
such as fertilizers, car exhaust, and other damaging contaminants that are absorbed into the nearby
soils, wetlands, lakes, and other important watersheds. It is known as a "non-point source" pollutant due to the nature of
the generated waterflow. Controlling the runoff and aiding in water quality management has become
essential in keeping our water safe for all of its many uses.
For an overview of storm water sources and impacts, read our
storm water FAQ
Why Must We Manage Storm Water?
The City of Medina administers, operates, and maintains a storm water management program meant to:
- Preserve valuable natural resources
- Protect people and property
- Reduce nuisance flooding
- Improve water quality
What are Some Current Examples of Projects in Medina?
The attached
article provides some background and a few examples of where
funds have been spent to provide a better understanding on the need
for the storm water utility fee. - updated 5.28.2010
Financing a Storm Water Management Program
- A Storm water program is funded by a service charge or utility fee
- Augments existing funding sources
- An equitable distribution of storm water management system costs, based on the premise of “contributors pay”
- Fee varies by the amount of storm water runoff generated by a particular parcel
Medina's Storm Water Utility Billing
The purpose for creating the SWU is to provide an alternative
source of funding from general property taxes to support storm water
mandates and needs. Storm water mandates include the improvement to local
impaired bodies of water (Lake Independence, Lake Sarah, Spurzem Lake, Holy
Name Lake, Elm Creek, etc.) as well as the City’s Storm Water Pollution
Prevention Program (SWPPP). Other needs include annual maintenance to City
storm water ponds, culverts, erosion control and general enforcement. A
Storm Water Utility (SWU) was officially established by the City Council on
May 20, 2008.
For property owners who receive a water and sewer utility bill, a new line item
for the storm water utility charge has been included on your monthly bill.
Property owners who do not have water and sewer will receive an annual bill
in the Spring.
The SWU will more equitably distribute charges for storm water
improvements to property owners compared to general property taxes because
the focus of a SWU is to better charge those who are contributing to storm
water problems, rather than through property taxes which is based on your
market value. Non-tax paying entities such as governments, churches, etc.
will receive a SWU charge and bill. Some exemptions for parks, etc. and
credits for wetland areas, as well as suitable conservation and buffer
easements will apply.
Storm Water Fees
Purpose of the Utility Fee
Increased competition
for City funding necessitates the need for a storm water utility to provide an
equitable, dedicated funding source for storm water management services, including:
- State storm water permit compliance
- Implementation activities to address impairments of waters in and around Medina
- Water quality
improvements
- Storm water system upgrades
- General storm water
system maintenance
Determining Fees
The fee for each parcel is based on the square footage and the number of units on the parcel.
All parcels have been assigned a certain number of Residential Equivalency Factors (REFs). One REF represents the amount of
runoff from a typical single family residential parcel. The assignment of REFs for some existing land use types is as follows:
- Agriculture - 1 REF/10 acre1 round down to whole REF2
- Commercial - 6.4 REFs/acre1
- Industrial - 6.4 REFs/acre1
- Multi-Family Residential - 5.3 REFs/acre1
- Rural Residential - 1 REF/10 acre1 round down to whole REF2
- Single Family Residential - 1 REF per parcel
- Undeveloped Land - 1 REF/10 acre1 round down to whole REF2
1 Billable acreage = parcel area minus wetland area
2 Minimum of 1 REF per parcel
Calculating the Costs?
Total Number of REFs City-wide = 5,675
Estimated Storm Water Utility Budget = $163,925
Annual Cost per REF = $30.99
Monthly Cost per REF = $2.58