VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – Storm water fee increases are on pause right now for many Volusia residents.
The county is looking to prevent more flooding in the future, which could cost a pretty penny and means an increase in rates for residents. The county council, though, just voted to delay any rate hikes to take a chance that could help save money.
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“What we’ve done in the past is we’ve used our capital money from the stormwater utility, we’ve leveraged that and gone out and gotten grants from either the state and federal government,” said Ben Bartlett, the county’s public works director.
Instead of increasing rates, the county council is going to do something similar to what Bartlett described.
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The council voted to reduce the county’s Transform386 funding slated for other projects, go to the legislature for matching dollars, and use the county savings instead toward the stormwater projects.
Bartlett said that to put in systems like retention ponds or pumps, it’ll take millions if not tens of millions of dollars.
“When we look at flood mitigation projects and these large volume rain events like Ian and Milton where you’re getting 18 inches, 15 inches of rain in 24 hours, our focus in these projects is trying to protect structures,” he said.
The gamble could come from the state taking up to two months to give the county an answer.
Residents who live in unincorporated areas in the county who the rate increases would affect, like David Hill, are relieved to hear the county is taking other methods. He hopes it also gives time to see plans for his area.
“You can do the studies but get a plan and present it to the people but for a government agency just to take money and say trust me, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” he said.
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