Next Steps for Decatur's Recently Adopted Storm Water Master Plan
In December 2020, after two years of community engagement, the City Commission adopted a new Storm Water Master Plan Storm (SWMP). The plan is directed toward mitigating flooding, solving existing drainage problems, improving water quality and the quality of life in Decatur. According to the SWMP, $38 million is needed to implement high priority capital projects by 2040.
The City has made major storm water infrastructure improvements in downtown Decatur over the past two decades. Infrastructure in most residential neighborhoods is generally more limited, older and not designed to modern standards. Ponding and flooding are observed in many of Decatur’s neighborhoods during significant storm events.
The City Commission will consider the proposed storm water fee schedule at its regular meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021.
HOW WILL WE PAY FOR THIS?
Funding for storm water improvements can be raised equitably with an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) fee system for commercial and non-single family properties and a 4-tier fee system for residential properties, based on a property’s impervious area, as follows:
|
Commercial and non-single-family rate |
1.0 ERU | per 4,000 square feet | $285 | Includes multiple-family dwellings, institutions, public facilities, private drives & streets, other developed properties not classified as single-family dwellings. |
|
Single-family |
0.4 ERU | 0 – 2,499 square feet | $114 | |
| 0.7 ERU | 2,500 – 3,999 square feet | $200 | ||
| 1.0 ERU | 4,000 – 4,999 square feet | $285 | ||
| 1.4 ERU | 5,000 square feet or more | $399 |
The proposed fee schedule is the SWMP‘s recommendation to generate funding needed to complete proposed high priority projects over the next 20 years.
The present fee of $100 per ERU was adopted in 2016 and will not provide the revenues to meet the infrastructure needs of Decatur’s aging storm water system.
WHAT’S MY NEW STORM WATER FEE?
Property owners can use this search tool determine their proposed storm water fee. Credits are available for a portion of the fees by reducing run-off and saving tree canopy.
WHEN WILL I PAY THE NEW STORM WATER FEE?
The City Commission will consider the proposed storm water fee schedule at its regular meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021. If approved, the new fee will be due on June 1, 2021.
For more information, take a look at the SWMP or email david.junger@decaturga.com.
