Thanks to Chris Flood for clearly explaining the funding options Rehoboth's commissioners will be considering for the stormwater utility. The costs to construct, improve and maintain the city's stormwater infrastructure are staggering. Of the three funding options being considered, the one that divides capital improvement and operational costs between property owners and the city is the most fair and encourages careful spending by the city.
If the city is responsible for the stormwater costs of its own impermeable footprint of buildings and roads, it will be encouraged to think more carefully about contracts being considered and the cost for the operating budget. It will also nudge the city to consider the implications of rules it sets for property owners. As little as two years ago, our plan for a permeable driveway was denied. Now, we will be charged for the footprint of the driveway the city required. Obviously, the city is likely to pass its stormwater costs on to property owners through taxes, but it might make decision makers a bit more careful in overall budget planning when the city is responsible for 39% of the stormwater costs.
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