Issaquah City Council OKs stormwater rate hike

Issaquah residents can expect a little something extra on their upcoming stormwater bills. The Issaquah City Council approved an increase in rates of $1.75 per month. Reasons behind the hike were cited as lower than forecasted revenues and increased costs. Some of the need for more funds also came from the council’s decision to use stormwater funds to acquire more streamside properties to help with flood mitigation and habitat improvement goals. “Nobody likes their rates to increase,” Councilman John Rittenhouse said. “But managing stormwater is one of the core things a city should do. ... In my mind, this is something that has to be done and that will have to always be done.” In a study presented to the council in June of 2006, the stormwater utility revenue was projected at $3.84 million, however, current estimates put the revenue at only $3.62 and the shortfall is expected to be greater in 2009. The Stormwater Fund is also struggling after the State Department of Ecology issued new program mandates to meet Federal regulatory requirements of the Clean Water Act. The new requirements require additional staff. “In the interest of Issaquah Creek, Lake Sammamish and the salmon, the mandates are just,” Councilman David Kappler said. The rate hike will provide about $500,000 in additional revenue for the Stormwater Fund.

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