Stormwater Utility

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The Stormwater Utility Section provides storm drainage and flood control services to the City of Moline. Revenues are collected primarily through utility billings.

DESIGN

The Engineering Division prioritizes stormwater projects, then designs and oversees their construction. Engineering staff formulates and designs capital improvement projects to alleviate drainage system problems. We also develop hydraulic design criteria, improvement standards, and construction specifications.

PUBLIC INTEREST SURVEY

The City of Moline invites you to participate in improving stormwater conditions throughout the City.  By answering a few questions on the questionnaire, you can help us to identify areas of the community that experience flooding and/or erosion problems.  The questionnaire also asks for your opinions regarding stormwater policies.  So even if your property doesn’t experience stormwater problems, please fill out and submit the questionnaire.

Click here for Stormwater Survey

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STORMWATER QUALITY

Keeping rivers healthy and clean requires long-term dedication and commitment. The Public Works Department is responsible for developing and implementing programs to reduce the discharge of pollutants from urban run-off to local receiving waters. Programs include monitoring the impact of a variety of substances in local waterways, promoting "Best Management Practices" (BMPs) for local construction work, and educating the public on ways to reduce stormwater pollution.

The Public Works Department is committed to protect the community and its waterways through sound planning, construction, repair, and improvement of drainage and flood control systems.  In addition, monitoring pollutants and educating the community about local creeks, streams, and rivers help to ensure superior water quality.

(Click for Stormwater Brochure PDF)

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CONCERNS OR PROBLEMS?

Online Service Request

Moline residents that have stormwater and/or sanitary sewer issues, please call the Stormwater Hotline at 524-2325 Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm; after 3:30 pm and weekends, call 524-2317.

Click here for Stormwater Appeal Form

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the runoff that results from rainfall.  As this water flows over construction sites, farm fields, lawns, driveways, parking lots, and streets, it picks up sediment, nutrients, bacteria, metals, pesticides, and other pollutants.  Unlike sanitary sewers that go to a treatment plant, most stormwater is discharged directly to local water bodies.  Increasing amounts of impervious surfaces in urban areas, such as roof tops, driveways, parking lots, and streets, decreases the ability of the water to soak into the ground, thus increasing the potential for flooding from greater volumes of runoff entering the city’s storm sewer system at a faster rate.

What is a Stormwater Utility?

A stormwater utility is a special assessment set up to generate funding specifically for stormwater management.  Businesses and residents within the City of Moline pay a stormwater fee, and the revenue collected directly supports maintenance of the existing storm drain systems, development of drainage plans, flood control measures, water quality programs, and funds major capital expenses.

Why do we have to have a Stormwater Utility?

In order to meet new, federally-mandated regulations for discharging stormwater and pay for the associated storm sewer-related infrastructure costs, the City of Moline has chosen to implement a stormwater fee rather than raise property taxes or cut services.

How much will it cost me?

Under the City’s proposed Stormwater Utility Rate Structure, residential units (four living units or less) will be billed quarterly at these flat rates.

For billing efficiency, most properties will be billed a flat rate based on area measurements at a sample of residential properties.  For all other properties, the relative use will be equal to the equivalent hydraulic acreage (EHA) of the properties.  EHA is an approximate measure of the impact of a property on the City’s stormwater system and is based on the combined impact of the measured impervious and undeveloped areas of the property.  The formula for calculating each property’s EHA is:

(Impervious Acreage x 0.95) + (Pervious Acreage x 0.15)

                         (The Fee = EHA x $87.83)

For property other than described in the flat rate structure, City staff will compute the quarterly Stormwater Utility Service Fee..

Properties which discharge to an approved stormwater retention system or directly to the Mississippi or Rock Rivers may apply for a 100% credit from the quarterly charge.

Why do we have to pay a fee?

Again, the City of Moline has chosen to implement a fee rather than raise taxes or cut services in order to meet the new stormwater regulations from the federal government.  The City Council felt a fee was the best alternative for the City and community.

Reasons for this choice include:

• Water Quality – The City is committed to protecting both ground and surface water in our community.  Stormwater is an element that can contaminate these water sources with the pollutants it carries, and we need a dedicated way to fund the maintenance of our storm sewer system.

• Tax relief – Traditionally, tax dollars fund stormwater maintenance and associated “best management practices” like street sweeping.  Fees are also more broadly based with tax exempt property owners paying their fair share.

• Behavioral Changes – Increased taxes discourage property improvements while fees discourage production of stormwater runoff.  The fee gives property owners an incentive to make improvements and take pride in their properties, while taxes penalize owners who work to improve their properties.

• Better planning – Consistent funding facilitates better long-range planning, which reduces overall costs to the City and community.

How does a fee differ from a tax?

It is all dollars paid, but there are some differences between a fee and a tax. 

• User equity – Fees are more proportional and give users more control.  With fees, larger users pay more, and smaller users pay less.  Users can also change how much they are charged by taking steps to manage runoff.

• Dedicated funding – Fee income is segregated, and a stormwater fee can only be used for stormwater related costs.  Tax dollars are available for almost any use, and competition for tax dollars usually results in infrastructure being under-funded. 

• Tax exempt property – Many properties in Moline are granted tax exempt status, such as property owned by the City, County, School District, Black Hawk College, and churches.  Many of the tax exempt properties have large amounts of impervious area.  This places more property tax burden on residents and local businesses, while a fee is charged to all users.

Why not use property taxes to pay for the storm sewer?

The City could certainly increase our tax levy rate to pay for storm sewer maintenance and operation costs.  We have ample property tax authority.  However, the burden would not be distributed as widely or proportionately, there would be no dedication of money towards stormwater, and no financial incentive for property owners to retain stormwater.

What services will be provided?

The total Stormwater Utility budget for FY 2005 is approximately $1,062,740.  The funds pay for the ongoing and routine maintenance of the drainage system, major capital expenses for new storm sewer construction, and EPA Phase II stormwater permit requirements.

The City has already been doing the work.  Why can’t you continue the same way?

Public Works has been charged with performing storm sewer work from the money allotted to the department.  For years, crews have swept the streets and performed emergency repairs on collapsed storm sewers, but the City did not maintain the system adequately.  Moreover, the City did not adequately fund street maintenance in general.  Infrastructure needs have always taken a backseat to competing service demands and lower property tax rates.

Implementing a stormwater fee provides a dedicated funding source for the storm sewer maintenance and operation.

None of my water goes into the storm drains.  Why do I have to pay?

Eventually all basins drain to the Mississippi and Rock Rivers, even if it’s only the rainwater caught in your or your neighbor’s backyard or ravine.  Your property is also likely to generate runoff in a large “10 year” rain event, even if the ground absorbs it during “normal” events.  In any event, you always benefit from adequate, properly-functioning drainage and flood control systems which decrease the likelihood of flooding, erosion, and unlimited pollutants from surface and stormwater runoff.  You also benefit from the regulation and monitoring of the properties above and around you. Finally, efforts to monitor and protect the river provide benefits to everyone. 

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