Utility Information
Stormwater Utility Goals
- To fund the Stormwater infrastructure improvements and maintenance as outlined in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and eliminate assessments on stormwater reconstruction projects.
- To fund Public Works efforts to comply with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's (MPCA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Environmental Protection Agency requirements are as follows:
- National Pollution Discharge Elimination System Phase II (NPDES, Phase II ).
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
- City's Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) as outlined in the City's Stormwater Permit.
How Does the City Bill for Stormwater?
The City will be utilizing the services of Public Utilities for billing. For the City Residents in the Public Utilities Service Area, they will notice an additional line item on their PUC bill for Stormwater Utility fees. The City Residents in the Lake Country Power Service Area, will receive a separate bill from PUC for Stormwater Utility fees only. Services fees which have been used to finance sanitary sewer and water systems will now be applied to the Stormwater Management.
How much does this cost?
City Residents and businesses will be charged a fee for storm sewer management. The fee schedule approved by the City Council for the next year is as follows:
2023:
- Single Family $8.75 per month.
- Multi-Family $31.98 per acre per month.
- Commercial $48.98 per acre per month.
- Industrial $48.98 per acre per month.
- Institutional $43.44 per acre per month.
- Agricultural-Vacant EXEMPT.
- Road Right-of-Way EXEMPT.
- Open Water EXEMPT.
Stormwater Utility Advantages
Fair:
- Charges are based on runoff rather than property value as is the case with general taxes.
- All developed property types pay, including tax exempt.
Dependable:
- Self financing-does not compete with other governmental agencies for general revenues.
- Provides consistent funding and is easily projected.
- Revenues are kept in separate, dedicated funds.
- Can be used for debt services on revenue bonds.
Simple and Flexible:
- Similar to water and sewer charges.
- Adaptable to existing billing systems.
- Best management practices credits.
Acceptable:
- Utilities are in use around the State of Minnesota.
- Certain segments of stormwater management cost have been shifted from property taxes to the utility.
Supporting Documents
Stormwater Credit Policy (76 KB) 
