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1. Who pays this fee?

Stormwater Management Rates Per Ordinance #98-101-107

It is necessary to provide storm water draining facilities throughout the city's public right of ways in order that the health, safety, and welfare of the city's inhabitants may be protected. It is the intent and purpose of this article to provide authority to levy fees against all owners, tenants, or occupants whose property impacts the storm management facilities or who enjoy benefits therefrom and provide the city with a rational means for imposition of such fees to be used for the construction of improvements and extension of the facilities, maintenance, and administration.

2. Isn't this just another tax?

No. This utility fee is considered a service for stormwater improvements and is allowed in accordance with Section 403.0893 of the Florida Statutes.

Although a utility fee is considered an additional cost to residents, it is not a tax on the ad valorem value of a particular property. The stormwater utility fee is not equated to property values. All owners of improved residential property pay the same fee. Commercial property fees are based on the square footage of impervious area located on the site.

3. When and how do I pay this fee?

The fee will appear on the monthly utility bill mailed out by the Daytona Beach Utility Billing Department. For any partial payment of a combined utility bill shall first be applied to the stormwater utility fee, secondly to garbage pick-up and lastly for the water / sewer service reflected on the utility bill.

4. When did the city start charging this fee?

The stormwater fee was established in 1994, charging $4 per year on each equivalent residential unit (ERU). Beginning in 2007, and annually thereafter, the monthly ERU shall be automatically adjusted in accordance with section 98-32 which contains a revised schedule of rates, charges and fees effective October 1, 2004 and dictating an annual fee adjustments in perpetuity linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

5. I have homestead exemption. Why am I being charged?

The stormwater utility is not a tax based on the value of your property; therefore, the homestead exemption does not apply.

6. I have a well or septic tank. Why should I be charged?

Having a well or septic tank does not affect stormwater.

7. What does the city do with this money?

The fee is used to:

• Support stormwater maintenance and operations division
• Fund the Stormwater Engineering Section to study, plan, design, and construct stormwater treatment and flood prevention projects
• Investigate drainage problems
• Ensure the city’s compliance with state, federal and local stormwater permits and mandates
• Monitor water quality in the city’s water bodies

8. Stormwater doesn't leave my property. Why should I have to pay?

All city residents receive the benefit of drainage maintenance of the city’s stormwater facilities. The stormwater system on a public road protects the road from becoming inundated with floodwaters and subsequently treats the stormwater before it is discharged to local water bodies. If there were no publicly maintained drainage systems, roads may become impassable during rains and surface waters could quickly become unhealthy and overloaded with pollutants.