TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Bruce Moe, City Manager
FROM:
Steve S. Charelian, Finance Director
Julie Bondarchuk, Financial Controller
SUBJECT:Title
Consideration of Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Adjusting the Storm Drain Fees as a Result of the Proposition 218 Election (Finance Director Charelian).
ADOPT ORDINANCE NO. 24-0003
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 24-0003 to adjust the storm drain fees as a result of the Proposition 218 election.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The Stormwater Fund generates about $350,000 in revenue annually and currently operates at a deficit. By adjusting the storm drain fees, the Stormwater Fund is able to generate approximately $2.1 million in the first year with the option to increase fees by consumer price index (CPI) thereafter. This allows the Stormwater Fund to achieve a structurally balanced budget, alleviating the need for General Fund subsidies.
BACKGROUND:
On April 16, 1996, the City adopted Ordinance No. 1945, which created a separate enterprise fund (Stormwater Fund) for the storm drain program and established a storm drain fee in order to provide a secure funding source for storm water operations, maintenance, and capital improvements. The program includes flood management, compliance with clean water requirements, and design and construction of capital infrastructure. Storm drain fees are paid by property owners and have not been increased since the program’s inception in 1996. Single family residential (SFR) property owners paid a fixed fee of $19.12 per year. The County of Los Angeles collects the storm drain fee each fiscal year on the consolidated property tax bill. Stormwater Fund revenues totaled $388,000 in FY 2022-2023 with estimated operating expenditures totaling $1.1 million, excluding capital projects.
On February 6, 2024, the City Council voted 5-0 to introduce Ordinance No. 24-0003 to adjust the storm drain fees as approved by property owners at a Proposition 218 special mailed ballot election. The adjusted storm drain fee will be effective starting Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Staff will return to City Council annually around June with a public hearing to place the storm drain fees on the property tax roll. During the public hearing, City Council has an opportunity to consider a CPI increase along with any protests regarding the proposed storm drain fee levy.
In conclusion, staff recommends City Council adopt Ordinance No. 24-0003 to adjust the storm drain fees.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
The City has reviewed the proposed activity for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and has determined that the activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the State CEQA Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to Section 15060(c)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines the activity is not subject to CEQA. Thus, no environmental review is necessary.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The City Attorney has approved the Ordinance as to form.
ATTACHMENT:
1. Ordinance No. 24-0003