OTTAWA – Ottawa city commissioners agreed to establish a stormwater utility but not the fee for the utility. On a split 3-2 vote, commissioners balked at approving a fee schedule Wednesday. Commissioners agree that a storm water utility is needed to control the storm water runoff into neighboring streams and to help the city comply with federal clean-water guidelines. They also agree that the utility needs a source of funds specifically earmarked for stormwater projects and maintenance instead of dipping out of the street fund. But Mayor Gene Ramsey and commissioners Jeff Richards and Blake Jorgensen said they didn’t like the present fee schedule and expressed concerns it was too high. The city has set a $5 per month fee for all homes. Higher monthly fees would be assessed against businesses, industries and other public entities that have more roof space and parking areas, which tends to increase storm water. City manager Richard Nienstedt said city staff have been meeting with teams of business and government officials and private citizens; and consulting with other cities with stormwater utilities, to set fair and acceptable rates. Sara Caylor and Linda Reed voted to establish the fees. Commissioners will discuss the fees in later meetings.
Friday, March 8, 10 a.m.
