Stormwater Fee
Definition
A charge on property owners based on impervious surface area (roofs, driveways, parking lots) to fund stormwater management infrastructure. Unlike sewer fees (charged based on water usage), stormwater fees reflect the runoff properties generate—properties with large paved areas generate more runoff and pay more. Stormwater fees fund drainage systems, green infrastructure, flood prevention, and water quality improvements. Many cities offer credits for properties managing stormwater on-site (rain gardens, permeable pavement).
Louisville Context
Louisville Metro charges modest stormwater fees ($3-8 monthly for typical homes) to fund drainage maintenance, flood prevention, and water quality improvements. However, the fee generates insufficient revenue for needed stormwater infrastructure, resulting in inadequate drainage in many neighborhoods and ongoing flooding problems. West Louisville neighborhoods often have worse drainage than East End, reflecting historic underinvestment in infrastructure.
Why It Matters
Stormwater management prevents basement flooding, street flooding, and water pollution. When stormwater fees are too low to fund needed infrastructure, flooding damages homes and neighborhoods suffer. Inequitable stormwater infrastructure investment means low-income neighborhoods flood more frequently than affluent areas—environmental injustice with real costs to residents and property.
Dave’s Proposal
Dave will evaluate stormwater fee adequacy and, if needed, propose modest increases with credits for properties installing green infrastructure. Revenue will fund drainage improvements prioritizing neighborhoods with worst flooding. He’ll ensure stormwater investments are distributed equitably across neighborhoods. He’ll expand green infrastructure credit program incentivizing private stormwater management.