PORTLAND, Maine — A plan to pay for infrastructure improvements for city stormwater systems by assessing a new fee to property owners was unanimously recommended Thursday, Dec. 11, by the City Council Finance Committee.
The plan to charge a monthly fee of $6 per 1,200 square feet of impervious surface to all public and private landowners will now be taken up by the City Council and subject to a public hearing.
The fee would be assessed in addition to existing water use fees from the Portland Water District, although Portland Water District fees will be reduced by $1.50 per hundred cubic yards. All properties of at least 400 square feet will be included, with the exception of roads, runways and railroad tracks.
Residents of all Casco Bay islands except Peaks Island will also be exempt from the fees.
As outlined by city Public Services Director Mike Bobinsky and Ian Houseal, the assistant to acting City Manager Sheila Hill-Christian, the fees will help pay for continued projects to separate storm and waste water flows, treat accumulated storm water and upgrade systems at the PWD water treatment plant near East End Beach.
The work is needed to fulfill city obligations in a consent agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection to abate the flow of raw sewage into Back Cove and Casco Bay.
Property owners could also earn credits for reducing imperious surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways, or installing rain gardens or other items to reduce the flow of stormwater. The city has also provided an online look-up page for individual properties to show what potential fees may be.
The plan, which would be added to Chapter 24 of the city Code, is intended to be implemented Jan. 1, 2016. The city will first send out sample bills and meet with property owners to discuss possible credits.