Those rules require new development to treat stormwater to a specified level. <\/p>\n
The county said communities including Bonnie Brook, Taft, Conway, Pine Castle, and Bithlo could see capacity improvements if the stormwater fee were implemented. <\/p>\n
\u201cThose are areas that have had repeated problems, even with our higher intensity storms in the afternoon during the rainy season, not to mention our hurricane storms. And so those are areas that definitely need some additional treatment and capacity,\u201d said Julie Bortles, a project manager with Orange County Public Works. <\/p>\n
Since 1996, the county said the stormwater utility fee has been set at zero, but leaders said that is no longer sustainable given rising costs and regional growth. <\/p>\n
Commissioners are now considering implementing a tiered fee system, based on how much water runs off your property. <\/p>\n
Properties with larger impervious surface areas would see larger bills. That area is comprised of rooftops, sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces where water cannot be absorbed into the soil. <\/p>\n
While some in Bonnie Brook expressed support for the fee Tuesday, Bonnie Brook HOA president Deborah Marley thinks the county ought to find another way. <\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody\u2019s struggling. We have older people here, a lot of older people that have to live on a fixed income. So, it\u2019s kind of hard for them to have to come up with more money,\u201d said Marley. <\/p>\n
Channel 9 asked Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, whether the timing was right for the fee. He reiterated that the county still hasn\u2019t finalized any plans for a fee increase. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo decisions were made today to increase the fees for stormwater customers here in Orange County. The only thing we\u2019re doing is going to have a conversation with our residents who in certain neighborhoods are experiencing some infrastructure challenges,\u201d said Demings, \u201cIn order to fix that, it is going require a major investment.\u201d <\/p>\n
The county is expected to revisit the topic and narrow in on a fee structure during a county meeting tentatively scheduled for June 30th. <\/p>\n
In the meantime, commissioners directed county staff to host community meetings and gather public input on the fees.<\/p>\n
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