Background and Plan Overview
Stormwater Utility Implementation Plan Background
The city’s updated Comprehensive Development Plan cites a need for a comprehensive stormwater management program, including ways to fund necessary investments – 2015
Rehoboth hires engineering consulting firm AECOM to assess funding levels for stormwater management and address shortfalls – March 2020
First meeting of the 13-member Stormwater Utility Task Force; the task force of 13 Rehoboth Beach stakeholders was created to provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners regarding establishment of and fee structure for a potential utility – April 5, 2022
Task force recommendations are presented to the Board of Commissioners – April 29, 2023
Stormwater Utility Implementation Plan
On May 8, 2023, the Board of Commissioners authorized moving forward with development of a stormwater utility implementation plan. The implementation plan will address several items to be resolved before the Board of Commissioners considers whether to adopt a stormwater utility.
City staff will work with engineering consultant AECOM to develop the implementation plan. This plan will recommend and provide details related to:
- the total amount of funds needed to support stormwater operations, maintenance, and capital improvements
- the rate to be charged per stormwater billing unit (SWBU)
- potential avenues for mitigating costs to property owners
- establishment of the billing mechanism and frequency
- establishment of a program through which property owners may earn stormwater credits by adopting best management practices
- set up of an appeals system
The implementation plan also will support public engagement efforts and provide a property locator tool that will allow property owners to determine their projected annual stormwater utility fee.
The City anticipates being able to share the implementation plan recommendations with commissioners and public in the Spring 2024.
If adopted, the City of Rehoboth Beach’s stormwater utility is expected to be implemented in April 2025, and fees would begin to be assessed.
