Stormwater Utility Fee for Champaign Home Owners: Your Input Wanted!

Stormwater Utility Fee for Champaign Home Owners: Your Input Wanted!

Earlier today I had the pleasure of attending a luncheon at which the mayor of Champaign, Don Gerard, was the speaker. The focus of his presentation concerned a proposed stormwater utility fee to be paid in the future by Champaign city property owners, both residential and commercial.

As anyone who has lived in this area for a period of time knows, during heavy storms water backs up on the streets and in yards and basements. It's a very real problem that, to my understanding, has been improved from what it once was but is still very much an issue for residents.

Therefore, the city formed a Stormwater Utility Fee Advisory Committee to investigate the problem, gather input from citizens, and put forth recommendations to resolve the issue. Naturally, the most obvious source of funding for any such project would be taxes (no surprise there...) and in this situation it makes sense that the tax specifically would be one imposed on property owners. Personally, I tend to be a bit conservative when it comes to finances; don't judge, it's served me well in life ;-) However, in this case I honestly believe there's a pressing need to come up with the funds and do away with this lingering problem.

But take note!: The city is still in its decision-making stage. This means, there's still time for you to write to your city representatives with your concerns and suggestions. The mayor made it quite clear today (and in speaking with someone else on the Advisory Committee, this sentiment was echoed) that input is truly desired. A utility fee imposed on property owners is in all likelihood going to happen. So speak up and make your concerns known!

Here's a link to loads of information about the stormwater issue and proposed fee on the city's public works website. And here's a link to a list of Champaign city council members with their contact info. Write your representative today!