Merrillville Stormwater Board unanimously agreed to raise the stormwater fee from $5 to $9 a year for most residential users, with the money generated from the increase to be used solely for projects to relieve flooding and improve water quality.
Matt Lake, executive director of the town’s Stormwater Utility, said at the meeting Aug. 2 the new rate would generate about $880,000 more a year.
“All of that money will go into a separate fund solely for our master plan projects,” Lake said.
He said those projects, which include culvert replacements and adding stormwater storage basins in key areas throughout town, total about $25 million to $35 million.
“Those are very, very conservative numbers, based on 2014 numbers,” Lake said.
The current fee, which property owners pay through their property taxes, generates $1,137,579 a year.
Agricultural and commercial properties are charged at a different rate.
The increase, which goes into effect next year, was approved at a public hearing in which only positive comments were received.
One business owner told how the Taft Street project, which included installation of two large ponds, improved his properties in that area. He said before the project was completed his properties would flood a couple times a year.
Lake said the proposed projects would take a number of properties throughout town out of flood zones, eliminating the need for homeowners in those areas to purchase costly flood insurance.
He said those properties are mostly in the older, urban areas of town.
Lake said the utility is looking for cost-sharing and other options with various government entities to keep the town’s cost for its projects down.
For instance, he hopes to build a large storage basin on a 15-acre parcel owned by the Merrillville School Corp. to relieve flooding around Merrillville Intermediate School on 61st Avenue.
He said not having to purchase property would substantially reduce the project’s cost.
“Land acquisition can be very pricey,” Lake said.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
