Equitable Credits for Stormwater Fee Assessment

Establishing a stormwater charge program that is both an effective funding source and is considered fair and equitable by the public is a challenge. The program has to provide a quantifiable benefit to the people paying the fee or assessment. This requires significant efforts to properly convey to the public the services they will be provided for their money to address flooding, water quality, maintenance, and associated administration. In conjunction with stormwater program work for several Florida clients, the author has conducted a study of Florida cities and counties with existing stormwater utilities in place or with programs under implementation which incorporate a wide variety of credit systems. This paper looks at the basis for providing credits and credit system, issues related to success in implementation, public perception, difficulty in management, and adaptability to changing conditions.