Stormwater utility rate introduced a third time with no discussion

Three different stormwater utility rate increases have been considered by the Newton City Council in the past two months, and the discussions amongst officials has been contentious at times and often lengthy. In stark contrast to their previous meetings, there were no conversations and no debate this past week.

Newton Mayor Evelyn George even seemed surprised by the lack of input from council, which ultimately voted 5-1 to pass the first consideration to increase the stormwater utility rate over the next five years. Council member Randy Ervin, who has frequently opposed the rate increases on businesses, voted no.

According to city council documents, the equivalent residential unit (ERU) rate would increase from $4.50 to $4.75 on July 1, 2025, and then by $0.25 every year until the rates reach $5.75 in 2029. Most households pay one ERU, but larger properties like businesses and churches and nonprofits would pay more.

Which is primarily what the back-and-forth dialogue has focused on among council members, who all agree that money should be generated to go toward stormwater utility projects. Some of the those projects include stormwater improvements on the Union Drive reconstruction and a planning study.

Other projects looked to improve various infrastructure or improve stormwater issues along specific streets like West Fourth Street South or in individual subdivisions like Fairmeadows North Plat 7. All of the funds collected from the stormwater utility would go towards projects like these.

Initially, council members discussed two other options for stormwater utility rate increases. The first proposal failed after an outgoing council member’s no vote resulted in a 3-3 outcome. Council needs four votes to pass any item. The second proposal passed the first reading but council voiced concerns.

Rather than a flat increase or a 5 percent increase every year for five years, the second proposal was gradual but every year the increase would be less and less. The proposal was to increase it by 6 percent starting in 2025, then 4 percent in 2026 and 2027 and 3 percent in 2028 and 2029.

Steve Mullan, a former council member who was appointed to the Ward 4 seat, made a motion to bring back a previous option of a flat $0.25 increase every year for five years. In doing so, he would start the process over. Mullan’s motion passed in a 4-2 vote.