Increase in City of Alexandria Stormwater Utility Fee

In 2015, the City of Alexandria Stormwater Management Committee reviewed their projected revenue and expenditures over the next several years and determined that additional revenue is needed to address the ongoing stormwater needs within the City of Alexandria. The stormwater fee is responsible for funding stormwater components of City Capital Improvement Projects, high priority construction requests from citizens, maintenance requirements including street sweeping and equipment, and meeting increasing stringent mandated requirements from the State due to the abundance of our lakes and water resources we all value and enjoy. The City Council held a public hearing on July 13, 2015 and subsequently adopted an ordinance raising the fee effective January 1, 2016.

The Stormwater utility fee will increase by $1.50 per month for all residential properties and by 15% for all non-residential properties. Additionally, the current credit system will be reduced by 50% over a period of six years. This is the first time the rate has been adjusted since 2009.

A very significant project that could not be funded without the fee increase is the reconstruction of the 8th Avenue storm sewer from Elm Street to Lake Winona. The existing storm pipe within this project is in a condition where it could collapse at any moment causing flooding upstream, including areas of Broadway, the Douglas County Library building, and residential areas east and west of Broadway.

The additional revenue from the stormwater fee increase will allow the 8th Avenue project to proceed in 2016 and will fund other high priority projects. Residents with drainage questions or concerns are encouraged to contact City Hall at 763-6678, 704 Broadway Street. The Stormwater Management Committee meets on the third Tuesday of each month at City Hall at 5:00 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.