In response to recommendations from a citizen’s advisory group, the City of Columbia implemented a Stormwater Utility in July 2002. The Stormwater Utility established a new stormwater fee, dedicating a stable funding source to maintain and improve the City’s inadequate drainage system.
The Citizen’s advisory group recommended that the stormwater fee for all single-family property owners within the City limits would be a flat rate of $3.95 per month. However, the recommended rate was reduced by the City to $1.97 for the first two years of the program. All non-residential properties within the City limits, such as commercial, industrial, multi-family and tax-exempt properties, have been initially charged $1.97 per every 2,454 square feet of hard surface area.
Most residential and non-residential property owners within the City limits receive the stormwater fee on their water bill as a separate line item. Property owners that do not currently receive a water bill receive a separate billing for the stormwater fee.
Revenue collected by the Stormwater Utility is allocated to three primary areas:
1. Increased maintenance and repair of the drainage system;
2. Funding for larger drainage projects or capital improvements; and,
3. Meeting the mandatory demands of EPA regulations aimed at reducing water pollution caused by stormwater runoff.
For any questions, please contact the City of Columbia’s Department of Engineering at (803) 545-3400.
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