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City Council Nfinutes Page 4 <br /> August 11,2014 <br /> ----------------------------- <br /> Councili-nember Westgaard questioned why the city would transfer some of its <br /> personal services into this program. <br /> Mr. Simon stated you would want the stormwater utility, if set up to be an-inclusive <br /> of the operating costs for the program, similar to other enterprise funds. Enterprise <br /> funds function like business-type activities and support all associated costs. <br /> Mr. Partner stated there would be a public education campaign similar to the <br /> franchise fee program and the city can show the levy will be reduced. <br /> Councilmember Westgaard preferred the levy increase so it would be transparent. <br /> Councilmernber Westgaard suggested adding the additional costs of the surface <br /> water management program to the General Fund. He thought there may be less <br /> kickback because there would be more complaints with another fee being imposed. <br /> He expressed concerns with trying to explain that the General Fund will go down, <br /> but people aren't really saving anything because they are being charged another utility <br /> fee. <br /> Mr. Simon stated there would be more transparency with keeping the funding all in <br /> one fund. <br /> Mr. Portner, stated the difference is that people who are contributing to the <br /> stormwater issues are paying for it, whereas in the general fund tax people pay based <br /> upon the value of their property. He stated there would be more equity to the utility <br /> fee. <br /> Councihnember Morin questioned if the fee will be based on impervious surface <br /> square footage. <br /> Mr. Fernrite stated this option was in the 2012 study recommendation but the city <br /> could look at other options. <br /> Mayor Dietz stated he understands the rationale and that the program is mandated <br /> by the state, but this utility fee will be a difficult sell to the public, comparing it to the <br /> franchise fee benefit. <br /> Mr. Fernrite stated the fee has its pros and cons but it is fairer and the city can collect <br /> frown schools, churches, etc. (big users who are not taxpayers). He noted that the <br /> City of Rogers has a utility fee so in essence, Elk River taxpayers are paying for <br /> Rogers' stormwater through school district taxes. <br /> Councilrnernber Wilson stated there are environmental reasons the program is <br /> mandated and the city wants to keep clean water. <br /> Pb � EAE !U BT <br /> INATUREI <br />