During a work session yesterday, Manatee County Commissioners discussed the County's stormwater program and how to fund it into the future to improve drainage and local water quality.

Commissioners are considering a stormwater fee, similar to that imposed by Manatee County's six municipalities and several neighboring counties, to pay for the County’s Stormwater Program, which has been funded since the early 1990s by mostly solid waste fees and property tax revenues. Public Works has proposed two separate stormwater fee rates. The first, an $8.62/month fee for the average-sized single family home, would bring in $17.4 million annually beginning 2021. A separate proposed rate of $12.55/month for the average sized single family home would bring in $25.39 million annually beginning 2021. The higher rate would fund enhance the stormwater program, meaning more frequent canal cleaning, pond spraying and street sweeping and a more efficient overall stormwater maintenance system.

Next Tuesday, September 24, the Commission will discuss the proposed stormwater rate and they are expected to authorize a public outreach campaign this fall to educate Manatee County residents about the program and the proposed fee. No vote will be taken on the proposed stormwater fee until after the public outreach campaign is complete. 

Manatee County Public Works Department