STORMWATER UTILITY FEES AND PHILLIPPI CREEK UPDATE

As reported in previous e-blasts, the HOA has remained involved in the conversations regarding stormwater management in the county. Our concern has been focused on avoiding a repeat of flooding and water damage for our residents residing along Phillippi Creek, and in improving overall stormwater management in our entire area.

We are aware that some residents experience dramatic street flooding during major rain events. Yet, the county considers this to be an acceptable level of service. Through involvement in these discussions, it has become clear, based on an analysis by an independent professional engineer, that the majority of the County's storm water flooding issues resulted from operational and maintenance issues. This is the case with deferred maintenance within Phillippi Creek as well.

On behalf of our residents, we continue to promote a proactive approach by the county when maintaining their existing stormwater infrastructure and to prevent future disastrous scenarios. In this regard, the budget by which the stormwater environmental utility functions has been in the news.

All residential property owners in the county are taxed by the stormwater environmental utility. You can find this tax on your annual bills listed as stormwater utility. The overriding presumption of the Members of the public who have been speaking at Commission events is that this tax is specifically identified and used for maintenance.

This year's annual SEU budget is $27 million, approximately 18.1 million dollars was located in the #440 Fund Balance account and has yet to be spent. Additionally, the county is receiving HUD monies, some of which will be used to specifically facilitate dredging, among other actions.

It has come to our attention that the stormwater environmental utility (SEU) tax has increased over the past 5 to 10 years, by as much as 80% for some residents. This dramatic increase, coupled with apparent inconsistent maintenance, is of concern to residents countywide.

And therefore, It is important that all residents are aware of this specific increase which has been occurring through the years.