Bloomington officials examine the need for increased storm water and sewer system fees

Posted on July 21, 2015
Bloomington City Hall
The Bloomington City Council heard opinions from the city manager’s office and the public works department about how to fund the storm water and sewer system master plans Monday night during its Committee of the Whole meeting. (Joe Ragusa/WJBC)

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington is examining its master plans for the city’s infrastructure. Assistant to the city manager Alex McElroy said the storm water and sanitary sewer master plan is expensive and relies on user fees and loans.

“In our sanitary and storm sewer systems, based on our current rates, we are going to run out of money to pay for capital in 2018,” McElroy said.

The city manager’s office is asking the council for an increase to its user fees for its storm water and sewer systems. McElroy said the city will continue to pay for emergency repairs if those increases aren’t approved.

Public Works Director Jim Karch said clogged detention basins are causing flood issues.

“These are great amenities in our community that help to hold back the water and prevent flooding. They’re part of the key storm water infrastructure, but many times they aren’t being maintained properly because we’re not inspecting them regularly because of lack of resources,” Karch said.

The storm water and sewer system master plans will cost approximately $136 million over the next two decades. The master plans were discussed during the city council’s Committee of the Whole meeting Monday.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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