Northfield Considers Utility Fee for Improved Stormwater Management

Northfield is preparing to revamp its approach to flooding. On Tuesday, trustees heard an engineering presentation that suggested new payment options for the village’s stormwater management system.

Village Manager Stacey Sigman explained that, following up on a 2009 study that recommended $22 million in potential projects, ways were being explored to strengthen the current system.

“We’re looking for ways to fund stormwater improvements,” Sigman said. “This is the first step of seven or eight in a study of infrastructure for flooding.”

Thomas Burke, an engineer with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, presented several options from his firm’s findings in the presentation that touched on:

Costs

• State-mandated minimum requirements for dealing with runoff
• Waterway and ditch maintenance.
• Capital improvements that includes projects to reduce damage from flooding and to plan for unusual levels.

Causes of pollution

• Studies by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency have indicated stormwater is a leading source of water pollution for nearly 40 percent of the surveyed water bodies across the country.
• These include elements such as sediments, pathogens, oil, grease and metals.

How to pay

• Special service area that only affects specific parts of the village.
• General fund - the current practice.
• Tax as allowed by home rule.
• Stormwater utility fee.

Burke singled out the utility fee as a recommended option because “it’s reliable, there’s a user fee, the parcels are equitably assessed, it can be adjusted according to need, and it can fund projects, maintenance, equipment and staff.”

In order to determine the necessary rate, the engineers would evaluate the budgetary needs and measure the village’s impervious areas--those where water can’t be absorbed by the ground. They would use those figures to develop a rate applicable to residential and commercial users based on the size of their buildings. 

Burke said several other cities in Illinois use a utility fee, including Rolling Meadows, Highland Park, Rock Island, Morton, Bloomington, Aurora, Moline, Normal and Palatine.

Trustee Joan Frazier asked how residents might respond to a new fee. 

“I’m sure there are some residents who don't notice stormwater problems to their homes and aren't anxious to pay another fee,” she said. “Does everyone pay regardless of whether they want to opt out or not?”

Burke explained that regardless of whether residents see problems from stormwater on their property, everyone contributes to the runoff—which is why a stormwater utility fee is superior to a special service area.

“Everyone pays,” Burke said, “because every parcel contributes to the outlets of stormwater in the community.”

The board also voted to give the police department approval to buy new squad cars. Click here for story.

Public comments about proposed revisions to the village’s liquor code was heard.