Proposed Stormwater Utility Fee Structure and Governance

Expressed strong opposition to the $69 monthly stormwater fee, noting his property near Topaz Lake receives no county road, fire, or police services and has already required $150,000 in self-funded flood repairs.

Argued that the stormwater fee is effectively a tax that should be put to a public vote rather than decided by five commissioners, and suggested a two-tiered fee structure exempting those who bought in known floodplains.

Thanked task force members and meeting attendees for volunteering their time.

Urged the task force to maintain absolute transparency, define clear objectives, avoid government expansion, and ensure a net-zero financial impact on the county.

Questioned how the fee would account for stormwater flowing from county roads onto his property and criticized past county actions regarding filled detention ponds.

Asked the task force to examine average annual versus maximum damage costs and explore whether collected stormwater could be sold to agriculture to offset costs.

Thanked task force members and county staff for their open-mindedness and willingness to listen.