Manatee County announces stormwater updates for 2020
MANATEE COUNTY — Manatee County has canceled five informational meetings with the public in order to prepare a detailed plan for stormwater improvements and funding for the coming year, the county stated in a press release Monday.
"By February we will bring to the board our recommendations for immediate steps to address the most severely impacted areas to ensure we're doing what we can to avoid flooding and enhance water quality," Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea told county commissioners on Monday. "At that time we'll also bring you our data-gathering plan and report completion for 2020 to fully address the common concerns we've heard so far. By first quarter 2021, the board will have a comprehensive stormwater report and a list of appropriate projects to make a strong decision on the most appropriate stormwater rate."
The canceled meetings were scheduled throughout November (8, 12, 25 and 26) for each county commissioner to speak to residents about the proposed fee.
"We’ve been listening to the public and many of the outstanding questions they have about how will agricultural lands be handled, potential incentives for homeowner associations and community development districts that pay a stormwater fee for privately owned stormwater systems and more," Coryea said. "In coming months, county staff will continue working with our stormwater consultant to resolve or address many of the public concerns."
The administrator said the extra time is intended to give nonprofit commercial owners time to budget for a stormwater fee in 2021. County commissioners agreed that more needs to be done to improve stormwater systems throughout the county, but they have not yet taken a position on fees.
In September, two stormwater rates were proposed: a $58.16 annual fee that most homeowners would pay that allows the county to double stormwater maintenance efforts to address water quantity and quality; or a proposed higher rate, $88.10 per year, that would improve efficiency and enable the county to improve water quality and the countywide system to address areas that flood most frequently.
The County’s statement Monday said recommended a extensive, efficient stormwater drainage system is needed to address local flooding, while environmental leaders say stormwater enhancements will also improve water quality conditions and prevent harmful nutrients from reaching water bodies to feed dangerous red tide and blue-green algae blooms.
For more information on Manatee County's stormwater system, visit mymanatee.org/stormwater A related County website details how the county's stormwater program currently operates. For more information on Manatee County government, visit online at mymanatee.org or call 941-748-4501.