Why do we need a “stormwater utility”?
With a utility, the Town can develop and plan for a cost effective stormwater management program. The utility allows for more a reliable and equitable source of funding that is based on the demand that a given property places on the stormwater management system. Alternative funding sources include general revenues, fees and bonds. General revenues are based on the value of property and not the demand placed on the stormwater system. General funds are less stable for long term stormwater management planning and programming activities. Year to year budget cycles cannot be counted on for adequate funding levels for stormwater management services. The Town now has significantly increasing regulatory requirements and local needs, and prior to the utility ordinance no increased resources were identified to meet these increasing needs.
The flooding in 2006 was the most destructive since 1881. El Paso received what amounted to a years worth of rain in two days, which caused serious damage throughout the city. Stormwater system improvements had been inadequate because of a lack of dedicated funding, leaving flood control projects to compete with other City priorities. In response to this problem, the City Council established a stormwater utility that would be operated and maintained by EPWU and supported by monthly user fees.
