(a) “Storm sewer rates” are established by considering factors, including the current customer base, the amount billed, and anticipated to be billed in the future, the operational costs and expenses anticipated to be sustained in the future, the maintenance and repair costs recorded in the past and those anticipated to be sustained in the future, and past and future debt service.
(b) Storm water utility fees provide for a comprehensive storm water management program that includes capital improvements to address neighborhood and street flooding, maintenance of existing storm water infrastructure and programs to water quality protection programs to ensure compliance with Ohio EPA regulation. The rates are based on a property’s contribution to storm water runoff and are categorized by residential and non-residential land use.
(c) Customers are charged based on the amount of impervious (non-penetrable) area a property is known to have, such as pavement and rooftops. A billing unit, called an equivalent residential unit (or ERU), is equal to 2,000 square feet of impervious area. Properties that do not have storm sewer service, water service, or sanitary sewer service will all receive a storm water bill. This is because all properties in the Village contribute to the Village’s storm water runoff. The entire community benefits from storm water management.
(1) Storm water charges for single-family residential properties. All single-family residential properties are calculated at one ERU and are billed the same flat rate. The initial residential rate is set at two dollars and fifty cents ($2.50) per month; increases in this rate shall be approved by a vote of Village Council.
(2) Storm water charges for non-residential properties. Non-residential properties will be calculated by how much impervious area the property is known to have using Village records, aerial photography data, and other records. A property with 10,000 square feet of impervious area would be billed at five ERUs (10,000 divided by 2,000). Detailed calculations will be generated as the implementation of the storm water program progresses. The initial rate for all non-residential properties will be set at one and one-half times the residential rate. This rate can be charged by detailed calculations provided by the property owner or by the Village. The acceptance of these calculations will be made by a vote of Council.
(Ord. 1708. Passed 12-1-14)