Agenda - Council - 10/27/2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Although the cost associated with these recommendations can be financed locally, the City will pursue all opportunities for outside funding. Without outside financing the City will need to finance the adoption of, and enforcement of, the local controls and standards, implementation of the specified programs, and capital improvements recommended in this SWMP using one or more of the following: 1. Increasing the storm water development charges (storm water trunk fees) 2. Increasing the storm water utility fees 3. Increasing the general levy (within levy limits) 4. Creating a storm sewer assessment district 5. Accessing funds from other City projects and funds The City increased the storm water trunk fees and storm water utility fees in 2015. Outside funding is greatly desired as the impact of increasing these taxes, fees and charges will increase tax burden against homes and farmsteads, increase the utility burden for all parcels or postpone other necessary improvements currently scheduled in the City's Capital Improvement Plan. The following are potential sources of outside funding that may be available to assist in the financing of the various storm water related issues: 1. Minnesota Clean Water Legacy funds 2. Clean Water Partnership Funds 3. Clean Water Act, Section 319 funds, administered by the MPCA 4. Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) grants and low interest loans There is significant competition for these limited funding sources. If these sources are pursued by the City, it will likely involve innovative treatment technologies in addition to timely requests for funding. The application deadlines for Section 319 and PFA funds are published annually by the State. The PFA prepares an annual Intended Use Plan for each program that lists the projects eligible to apply for loans. A written request must be submitted by the City to the PFA to place a project on the JUP for consideration. The City routinely monitors the deadlines for these programs. B. Local Financing Options Development Charges or Trunk Fees According to City of Ramsey Code section 117-618, anyone creating a new residential lot or a new nonresidential site plan must pay a storm water trunk fee as established by ordinance. Each year the fee is reviewed and approved as part of the City's overall fee ordinance For residential property, the fee is a flat fee per residential unit. For nonresidential property (commercial / industrial), the trunk fee is calculated on a per acre basis. The monies collected are deposited in the Storm Water Management Fund and are only used to pay for storm drainage financing and improvements. Maintenance of the storm water system is paid for with utility revenue deposited into the Storm Water Utility Fund. 1. Increased Storm Water Utility Fees Section VII October 21, 2015 Page 54