MANATEE

Public to learn details about proposed stormwater fee

Dale White
dale.white@heraldtribune.com
Rain floods the 5300 block of First Street, south of State Road 70 in Manatee County, in August 2016. Manatee County is proposing a stormwater fee to address a backlog of drainage improvement projects. [HERALD-TRIBUNE ARCHIVE]

MANATEE COUNTY — The seven members of the Manatee County Commission will each host a public meeting about a proposed stormwater fee that could be added to property tax bills.

The county has no dedicated funding source for a backlog of drainage maintenance and improvement projects needed to minimize flooding after heavy rainfalls. It has mainly used revenues from garbage rates to pay for limited stormwater work. Before they make a decision, commissioners want to gauge their constituents’ reactions to having an additional levy on their tax bills for that purpose.

They are considering two proposed rates based on the amounts of impervious surface, such as buildings and driveways, on a property.

Under one proposal, most homeowners would pay $58.16 annually. The charge would bring in enough revenue for the county to double its stormwater maintenance efforts, such as cleaning and clearing canals.

A higher charge of $88.10 for most homeowners is also under consideration. It would enable the county to perform more intensive work and better address areas that frequently flood.

Enhanced maintenance would not only reduce flooding but should improve water quality, minimizing harmful nutrients that can feed red tide and blue-green algae.

The fee would not apply to property owners in the municipalities, which can have their own stormwater fees.

Property owners in the unincorporated area can get an advance look at what they could be charged under the two options by entering their address at mymanatee.org/stormwater.

The public sessions will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Oct. 25, South Manatee Library, 6081 26th St. W., Bradenton, with Commissioner Misty Servia.

• Oct. 29, Palmetto Library, 923 Sixth St. W., Palmetto, with Commissioner Carol Whitmore.

• Oct. 30, Rocky Bluff Library, 6750 U.S. 301 N., Ellenton, with Commissioner Priscilla Whisenant Trace.

• Nov. 8, Manatee County Utilities, 4410 66th St. W., Bradenton, with Commissioner Stephen Jonsson.

• Nov. 12, Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., with Commissioner Vanessa Baugh.

• Nov. 13, Braden River Library, 4915 53rd Ave. E., Bradenton, with Commissioner Betsy Benac.

• Nov. 25, Bradenton Area Convention Center, 1 Haben Blvd., Palmetto, with Commissioner Reggie Bellamy.