HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 24-1896NFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 24-1896
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To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
September 10, 2024
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SUBJECT: STORMWATER UTILITY RATE AMENDMENT PROCESS
AND TIMELINE
The purpose of this Informal Report is to inform City Council of the Stormwater Utility rate
amendment process and timeline in advance of an upcoming public hearing and Mayor & Council
Communication (M&C) requesting adoption of updates to the rate.
The Fiscal Year 2025 recommended budget includes a 5% Stormwater Utility rate increase to
accelerate the proactive rehabilitation of high -risk storm drainage pipe infrastructure throughout
the City. It is estimated that fifty-nine (59) miles of City drainage pipe main lines are at a high risk
of failure. Delayed rehabilitation increases the risk of sinkholes, which can restrict stormwater
conveyance, increase the risk of flooding, and have dangerous impacts to structures, roads, and
vehicles. Proactive drainage pipe rehabilitation increases public safety, reduces the need for
emergency response, and provides an opportunity for partnership to leverage resources and
provide more complete projects for the community.
Section 552.045 of the Local Government Code requires the City to hold a public hearing before
revising and levying the Stormwater Utility rate. Notice of the hearing, including the full text of the
proposed ordinance, must be published in the Star -Telegram three times before the date of the
public hearing. The first publication must occur on or before the 30t" day before the date of the
public hearing.
To allow for questions and feedback about the proposed rate increase during the City's
recommended budget public engagement process, the Stormwater Utility rate change will follow
the process and timeline below:
• September 10, 2024 - The 5% Stormwater Utility rate increase will be included in the
public hearing and City Council meeting on the City's recommended budget.
• September 17, 2024 - If City Council adopts the budget, including the 5% Stormwater
Utility rate increase, the full text of the proposed ordinance increasing the rate will be
published in the Star -Telegram on September 23, 2024, September 30, 2024, and October
7, 2024.
• October 29, 2024 - An M&C, including a public hearing, will be brought to City Council
requesting adoption of the new Stormwater Utility rate.
• January 1, 2025 - If approved by City Council, the new Stormwater Utility rate will take
effect.
For additional information, please contact Jennifer Dyke, Transportation and Public Works
Assistant Director, Stormwater Management Program, at 817-392-2714.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS