Moses Lake council favors stormwater fee option

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council reviewed five proposals to fund the federally mandated storm water treatment plan and favored one proposal Tuesday.

They did not adopt the proposal but decided they wanted staff to further expand on it and present it to council once it is thoroughly drafted as an ordinance for consideration.

Staff are formulating an ordinance with seven commercial rates and one residential rate to be featured on utility bills.

The residential rate is estimated to be about $3 per residence, Municipal Services Director Gary Harer said.

The commercial rate for the utility fee ranges from $3 to $200.

• For lots with up to 6,000 square-feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $3.

• For lots between 6,001 and 12,000 square-feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $6 per month.

• For lots between 12,001 and 24,000 square-feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $12 per month.

• For lots between 24,001 and 48,000 square-feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $24 per month.

• For lots between 48,001 and 96,000 square-feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $48 per month.

• For lots between 96,001 and 150,000 square-feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $144 per month.

• For lots larger than 15,001 square feet of impervious surface, the monthly cost would be $200 per month.

Harer said the method is easier for staff to administer.

It is estimated to cost about $650,000 to fund the program annually.

Other proposals included rates based upon impervious surface without a cap, an equal rate of $6.50 per month for residential and commercial lot owners, commercial rates based on a increases in residential rates and a commercial rate with a cap up to $500.