Stormwater Rate Study Underway
Published on February 22, 2024
Written by Michelle Monteclaro, Environmental Program Manager
A Stormwater Rate study is in progress to ensure that current revenues from the stormwater rates are adequate to sustain the current and future stormwater programs and satisfy the financial requirements of the Stormwater Utility. Since the last stormwater rate study was completed in 2014, an updated study was conducted due to increasing construction and operation costs.
The stormwater rate study will evaluate the existing stormwater programs:
- Stormwater Maintenance Program
- Infrastructure Repair and Replace Program
- Road Drainage Program
- Resiliency Implementation Program
- Master Plan 2003 Program
The scope of work includes data collection, reviewing existing programs, benchmarking, a revenue sufficiency analysis, an ordinance update with two public meetings, meetings with Committees and the City Commission, and a stormwater utility report. The key objectives of the study are to promote fair and reasonable rates that promote the fiscal sustainability of the stormwater fund based on current operations and future needs. The study will develop a 10-year forecast considering both annually reoccurring and periodic costs.
Here is an overview of the Stormwater Programs that need additional support.
Stormwater Maintenance Program
This study also looks into the operation and maintenance of the stormwater program. This includes the ditch cleaning, stormwater pipe lining, and integrating a proactive condition assessment program. This program will include running cameras in stormwater pipes and more frequent inspection and assessments of all of our stormwater assets.
Infrastructure Repair and Replace Program
This program focuses on replacing out corrugated metal pipe, underdrain pipe replacement, gabion repairs and replacements, and stormwater pipelining. Asset preservation is important to support the integrity of the stormwater system and the Stormwater Utility will continue to support this program.
Roadway Drainage Program
This stormwater program pays for the drainage features of our streets both the brick and paved citywide. The stormwater fund will continue to fund these improvements.
Resiliency Implementation Program
A focus of this study looks into resiliency related stormwater projects. With the more frequent impacts of sea level rise, tidal flooding, and storm surge. Over time, the City will be more vulnerable to these reoccurring events. Through a Resilient Florida Grant, the City will conduct a Vulnerability Assessment and Adaption Plan which will be funded by the Stormwater program and reimbursed by the grant. Other projects include the installation and maintenance of check valves in our coastal neighborhoods where they can be applicable.
Capital Projects Program
The City of Dunedin Stormwater Master Plan Update was completed in 2020 as an update from the Master Drainage Plan of 2003. The Stormwater Master Plan Update conducted a Best Management Practice analysis to identify projects that could provide flood control and water quality benefits within the City. Some recommended capital projects included San Charles Drainage Improvements, Santa Barbara Drive Drainage Improvements, and Stirling Links Drainage Improvements.
Some preliminary findings show that significant capital reinvestment is required, condition assessments are highly recommended to help the City transition from a reactive program to a proactive Stormwater program, and grant funding will be critical component to this study.
Our consultant, Raftelis will be presenting these findings before the City of Dunedin Commission Workshop on Tuesday, March 5th.
The Stormwater Utility is part of the backbone of Dunedin. Our stormwater system prevents our roads and infrastructure from flooding, protects our environmental surface waters from pollution, and meet the regulatory requirements of our NPDES Municipal Stormwater permit.