Holmes Beach officials are thoughtfully and thoroughly addressing the sensitive issue of stormwater fee increases. Given the consequences of living on a barrier island and experiencing the recent hurricanes, there is most certainly a need.
The city has taken extensive measures in actively utilizing infrastructure by maintaining a complex drainage system of pipes and swales. It is currently undergoing major resiliency projects for infiltration trenches and pipe replacements. Many other Florida cities also use pumps and underground detention systems designed to capture, store and slowly release water. Although pumps can be very expensive, we already have a few PSP-zoned properties (Public/ Semi-Public) which are specifically intended for government and community-oriented infrastructure where underwater reservoirs could be utilized.
Despite the utilization of grants, an increase in stormwater fees is inevitable. But how should they be calculated?
In 2020, former Manatee County Commissioner Joe McClash wrote, “Proposed Stormwater Utility Fee Would Be an Unfair Tax.” Interestingly, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court just concurred when ruling that stormwater fees are actually a tax.
Whether a tax or a fee, Holmes Beach currently calculates them on the square footage of the property. Mr. McClash explained that the fair way of calculation is by the usage of the property. That is why many Florida municipalities calculate the fees based on impervious surface coverage – because it is the impervious surfaces that displace the water and more fairly represent the property’s impact on stormwater retention and drainage.
All impacts are not created equal. Some properties have maxed out their impervious area, elevated their lots and pools and installed walls. Commercial properties are allowed 70% impervious coverage; residential properties are allowed 40%, yet the fees are calculated at the same rate.
We know firsthand that, despite code, excessive landfill is sometimes brought in and the required stormwater swales are omitted. The City Center project elevated parts of Marina Drive by a foot. Additionally, Mr. McClash mentioned how governments themselves contribute when they make special exceptions, such as rezones, which increase densities. Holmes Beach has honored multiple rezoning requests despite resident opposition, so we need to keep stormwater issues in mind and consider stormwater studies in those areas where future rezoning requests are made.
Herb Raybourn, the city’s director of public works and city engineer, has indicated that even though calculating impervious coverage may not be an easy task, it is doable. While we agree that stormwater fee increases are inevitable, we would ask that the city begin this task of calculating stormwater fees based on impervious coverage.
Dick and Margie Motzer
Holmes Beach
