To keep up with the cost of inflation, to maintain appropriate reserve fund levels, as well as to properly plan for significant projects such as the Stormwater System Improvements for all three phases of the N. 1st Street Revitalization Project and the ongoing Urban Stream Flood Mitigation project for both Cowiche and Wide Hollow Creeks, Stormwater rates must periodically be adjusted to cover the cost of service.
The City contracted with FCS Group to conduct a rate study of the Stormwater Division. This effort corresponded with the City’s 2014 Stormwater Collection System Master Plan. FCS Group recommended a rate increase of 2.5% per year for four years (2019-2022).
Attached for review is the revised Yakima Municipal Code Chapter 7.80 based on the recommendations from FCS Group and as directed by the City Council at the October 18, 2018 Budget Session. This rate increase provides the Stormwater Division with proper funding levels for the next four years.
Future fee increases will be presented to Council in an annual fee schedule rather than individually throughout the year on a case-by-case basis. |