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Utility Billing - Storm Water Utility Charge

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1. What is storm water?

Storm water refers to the surface water that is the result of heavy rain or snowfall.  The water that results from heavy rain or snow melting must be drained properly in order to control flooding and prevent pollution, and the City is responsible for the installation and maintenance of the City's storm water drainage system. 

2. Why does Monroe charge for storm water?

There are two main reasons:
First, additional revenue is needed for storm water operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has required that Monroe, and over 400 other municipalities in Ohio, to improve storm water operations in order to prevent pollution and improve storm water quality.  Second, dedicated revenue is needed in order for the City to maintain and improve the storm sewer system.

3. What is the concern about storm water quality?

A major storm water quality concern is "non-point source pollution".  As the name implies, non-point source pollution comes from numerous locations and is carried through water runoff. The types of pollutants include toxins, metals, oils, nutrients, and fecal coliform bacteria from septic systems, leaking sanitary sewers, farm animals, and pets. These directly impact water quality and now represent a large percentage of the pollution picture. Street sweeping, elimination of septic flows and leaking sanitary sewers, and increased cleaning of storm drains can control these pollutants.

4. How much is the storm water utility charge?

Please see our utility rate page for more information on current storm water rates.  

5. What is the storm water charge based on?

Storm water charges are based on the amount of impervious area that is located on the property. Impervious area is the best indicator of how much that particular property will use the storm water system.  The City of Monroe currently charges a single, flat rate for all residential properties.   Commercial and industrial properties are charged based on a tiered rate structure.  The rate tier for commercial and industrial storm water charges is determined by the approximate impervious area of the property.

6. What is an impervious surface?

When property is improved through buildings, pavement, or trafficked gravel, water is prevented or retarded from getting into the soil. These areas where water cannot get back into the soil are termed "impervious surfaces" because they restrict natural infiltration and increase runoff from the property.

7. How is the impervious area of a property measured?

Impervious area on non-residential properties was measured from recent aerial photos with the actual measurement done via computer imaging. This produces a high degree of accuracy.

8. Is this a one-time charge?

No. There will be a recurring monthly fee for the development of new storm water operations, control facilities, their maintenance and water quality compliance.

9. How will I be billed?

The storm water fee will appear on your monthly utility bill. 

10. Who has to pay?

All developed properties within the City will pay the monthly storm water service fee. This includes properties with houses, schools, public facilities, churches and businesses. 

11. Is there a review process for the storm water charge?

Once the impervious area-based rate structure is in place, there will be a review process. It will include a review of the accuracy of the City's impervious surface measurements and the calculation of the service fee.

12. How much money will this service fee raise for the storm water utility fund?

Currently the storm water charges raise approximately $140,000 annually; however, the City requires far more revenue for storm water than what is currently collected. The storm water program is intended to fund capital improvements, operations, maintenance, development review, administrative services, field inspection and regulatory compliance.  

13. Why are churches and schools being billed?

The service charge, just like water and sewer fees, is based upon the cost of services provided. The storm water charge is not the same as a tax, but rather, the storm water fees are billed to all customers who receive the service. Churches and schools contribute a significant amount of runoff to the City because of their size and amount of impervious surface; therefore, these entities will be treated like all other customers under the rate structure.

14. Can I deduct the storm water fee on my taxes?

For commercial or industrial property owners, the IRS may consider the storm water charge as being a cost of doing business; however, this depends on each specific tax situation. Residential property owners will likely not be able to deduct the storm water fee on their taxes.

15. Is it possible to have my fee reduced?

Currently there are no plans to offer a credit or reduction program for storm water.

16. I have installed detention basins on my property. Shouldn't this be reflected in a reduced fee?

Currently there are no plans to offer a credit or reduction program for storm water.

17. How can you impose this fee without a public vote?

The storm water charge is not a tax, but a user fee.  A public vote is not required to impose a user fee. The City Council has reviewed a number of options for funding storm water management. Ordinance 2003-25 was presented in two readings for approval to Council and went into effect September 25, 2003.

18. What happens if I don't pay?

Unpaid charges may be assessed to property taxes, or referred to a collection agency.

19. Where does the money go?

Some of the other important components of this program include:

• Construction of long overdue capital storm water facilities
• Increased maintenance of the City's storm water system
• Inspection and enforcement of storm water regulations and standards
• Public information and education
• Street sweeping

20. Why not add this to my property taxes?

Property taxes are based upon the assessed valuation of land and their improvements. These values have little relationship to an individual property's use of the storm drainage system. A service fee is a more equitable method of funding the program. 

21. Is this money going to take care of the drainage problems created by new development?

No. Every developer is required to provide the drainage improvements necessary to handle the runoff generated by that development. Developers must also pay an impact fee or construct an equivalent portion of the City's storm drain system to relieve the impact of the new development on the overall system. All impervious area created by these new developments will be included within the storm water utility and will pay the service fee just as everyone else in the City.

22. I am a renter...do I pay the storm water fee, or does my landlord?

Under most conditions, the storm water charge will go to whoever pays the water bill for the property.

23. The City required me to put in a bunch of extra parking spaces. Why should I have to pay a service charge for them now?

Parking spaces are based on standard estimates of traffic and need, and are necessary requirements of doing business.

24. My business is not connected to the City's drainage system. Why should I have to pay?

Your property may not be physically connected to the drainage system in the same manner as water or sewer, but you are still provided with storm water service. The City's storm water program improves and maintains the upstream storm water facilities that protect your property. They establish design criteria, and regulate development that helps control off site storm water problems. This program is taking steps to reduce storm water pollutants that degrade our culinary water quality and the environment of the City.  Every property owner in Monroe is served by these activities.

25. Has this program been used anywhere else?

Yes. There are many storm water utilities in large and small communities throughout the nation, with many more in the planning stages. Locally, the following localities have implemented or will soon implement fees for storm water management:

• Cincinnati
• Franklin
• Hamilton
• Lebanon
• Mason
• Middletown
• Trenton

26. How can I be sure this fee won't pay for other City projects?

Under law, storm water fees may not exceed the cost of providing storm water improvements and services. Your fees will go into an "enterprise" or special fund that will be used only for the storm water program. Professional auditors, to ensure compliance, will audit this fund annually.

27. I have a storm drainage problem, what should I do?

Please contact our Public Works Department at 513-539-7374 or email us, and we will be happy to discuss your concerns.