Bothell, Kenmore could raise storm-drainage utility rates

Like many other cities, as they work through their 2009-2010 biennial budgets, both Bothell and Kenmore are proposing significant hikes in storm-drainage utility rates.

In both cities, officials say the increases are needed to help meet new surface-water standards. Both cities must apply for and receive permits issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology.

The new surface-water standards all are part of a set of requirements carrying the official title of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, Phase II.

Local officials also say capital improvements eventually undertaken to meet those mandates should help reduce area flooding problems.

In Bothell, the proposed increase amounts to 42 percent, or about $32.50 annually for a single-family residence, according to City Manager Bob Stowe. He further noted that increase amounts to less than $3 a month and later added that while the percentage increase may seem high, it is lower than some of the increases on the table in surrounding cities.

According to information released by the city, Kenmore officials are considering a series of increases over the next few years. The current rate of $7.09 per month would rise to $10 per month in 2009, $12 per month in 2010 and $14 per month in 2011.

In both Kenmore and Bothell, the rate increases are not finalized and must be approved by the respective city councils in both communities.

In Bothell, the additional dollars should go toward keeping on board a water-quality inspector paid for with grant dollars in 2008. The city also will use the additional funds for certain capital-improvement projects. In his budget presentation to Bothell City Council, Stowe said those projects would help address the flooding problems that occurred in December 2007. He further stated no storm-drainage rate increases should be needed in 2010.

Stowe later said the city has an overall plan in place to address flooding issues, with projects set to move forward on a priority basis. Stowe added those projects could be anything from maintenance work to more detailed undertakings.

In Kenmore, senior engineer Kent Vaughan said the city is proposing a $5 million, six-year capital-improvement plan. Rate increases will fund the first three years of the work. The list of projects is a long one and range from improving or replacing culverts to increasing the size of existing drainage systems.

Vaughan said some projects were slated to move forward next year, but officials decided in at least two cases the work just couldn’t wait. Those projects include replacing a culvert under State Route 522 and moving or replacing a culvert on 75th Place.

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