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Charlottesville Considering Stormwater Fee

Posted: 7:39 PM Jan 4, 2013

Charlottesville Considering Stormwater Fee

January 4, 2013

Charlottesville may start charging residents a stormwater fee.

The fee would apply to surfaces like driveways and store parking lots that do not soak up rain water.

"The hope is that over time this will provide an incentive to the property owners to not put surfaces on their property that water can't run through," said Charlottesville City Councilor Kristin Szakos.

Charlottesville City Councilor Dave Norris does not agree with the fee.
"I personally would like to see us not go down the road of creating a new tax and pulling money out of our tax payers pocket," said Norris.

Taxpayers wouldn't be the only people to pay the proposed fee. Churches and non-profit groups are included, many who are already strapped for cash.

Pastor Hodari Hamilton says there is a reason non-profit groups exist "There is an understanding that the services we provide really make a major impact on the city," said Hamilton.

Szakos says the goal is to produce less rain runoff as a community.

The city council will discuss the fee at its next meeting on Monday, January 7.