Drainage Fee Questions
Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 2:34 pm
All
Following the Public Hearing on May 21st of potential changes to the drainage fee methodology, the Council passed the item on 2nd reading and asked the Public Utility Committee to work with staff on developing options to address issues that were raised.
The Public Utility Committee will consider at the next meeting on June 17th and the item is scheduled to return to Council on June 18th.
PLEASE RESPOND IF YOU HAVE IDENTIFIED ANY ADDITIONAL ISSUES. The following is the list from our discussion at Council and the last Public Utility Committee meeting:
IDENTIFIED ISSUES:
1. Methodology based on % of impervious cover, rather than amount of impervious cover:
- could have the effect of being contrary to various Imagine Austin goals that encourage smaller lots and higher % of impervious cover
- doesn't account for developments (like Mueller) that cluster development, providing more open space and shared water quality features
- doesn't account for value of innovative green infrastructure/water catchment/infiltration installations on properties of any type
2. Methodology doesn't offer discounts for installed water quality treatment facilities (eg like Freescale testified to) and discontinuation of pond discount.
3. Methodology doesn't address affordability issues for certain populations
- the potiential for unplanned, relatively large increases for elderly and others on fixed incomes living in single family homes
- concerns about preventing pass through charges to renters even though the owner is billed
- impact on renters who currently use the CAP program for help with their utility bill, who will no longer receive a drainage fee bill
The Committee also requested (1) options for allocating drainage fee based on square footage rather than percentage; and (2) impact of fee on costs for homeowners, renters and small businesses. A memo has been provided with information related to the impact of the fee on the costs for various size homes.
Thanks All.
Ann Kitchen
City Councilmember District 5
Following the Public Hearing on May 21st of potential changes to the drainage fee methodology, the Council passed the item on 2nd reading and asked the Public Utility Committee to work with staff on developing options to address issues that were raised.
The Public Utility Committee will consider at the next meeting on June 17th and the item is scheduled to return to Council on June 18th.
PLEASE RESPOND IF YOU HAVE IDENTIFIED ANY ADDITIONAL ISSUES. The following is the list from our discussion at Council and the last Public Utility Committee meeting:
IDENTIFIED ISSUES:
1. Methodology based on % of impervious cover, rather than amount of impervious cover:
- could have the effect of being contrary to various Imagine Austin goals that encourage smaller lots and higher % of impervious cover
- doesn't account for developments (like Mueller) that cluster development, providing more open space and shared water quality features
- doesn't account for value of innovative green infrastructure/water catchment/infiltration installations on properties of any type
2. Methodology doesn't offer discounts for installed water quality treatment facilities (eg like Freescale testified to) and discontinuation of pond discount.
3. Methodology doesn't address affordability issues for certain populations
- the potiential for unplanned, relatively large increases for elderly and others on fixed incomes living in single family homes
- concerns about preventing pass through charges to renters even though the owner is billed
- impact on renters who currently use the CAP program for help with their utility bill, who will no longer receive a drainage fee bill
The Committee also requested (1) options for allocating drainage fee based on square footage rather than percentage; and (2) impact of fee on costs for homeowners, renters and small businesses. A memo has been provided with information related to the impact of the fee on the costs for various size homes.
Thanks All.
Ann Kitchen
City Councilmember District 5