The Town Board on Tuesday approved proposed increases in storm water fees for 2009-10 as well as an agreement with Mecklenburg County governing the storm water system. The action could make Davidson the only local government in the county to adopt a much-debated proposal to shift to a four-tier system that boosts fees for property owners with large homes and driveways.

Storm water fees are based on the amount of impervious surface on a parcel of land, which affects the amount of runoff from storms. They help the county pay for efforts to reduce flood risks and water pollution.

The new fees take effect July 1.

Davidson becomes the only jurisdiction in the county to adopt a proposal by Charlotte-Mecklenburg storm water officials for a four-tier system that would have cut or only slightly raised fees for owners of smaller homes. It would include larger hikes for those with large homes and wide paved areas.

After a recommendation by town Public Works chief Doug Wright, Davidson commissioners voted to adopt the four-tier system.

The proposed fee change has been the subject of debate in other governmental bodies in the county. The Charlotte City Council rejected the four-tier system and instead voted to raise all rates 5 percent. Cornelius, Matthews, Mint Hill, Pineville and Huntersville all voted to continue the tow-tier system.

And Mecklenburg County officials are recommending the county commission keep the system as is for now. That vote will be June 16. (See the Charlotte Observer, June 9, 2009, ”County holds on to storm water fees.”

HOW NEW FEES AFFECT YOU

Davidson residents currently pay $12.37 twice a year for residential property and $32.85 per acre per month for commercial property. (SOURCE: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.)

New storm water fee levels

(Fees for Davidson only; updated  6/11/09 8:30 a.m. to correct rates.)

Tier 1

– up to 1,999 square feet impervious surface – about 20 percent of county residential customers – $16.45 semiannually.

Tier 2

– 2,000-2,999 square feet – about 40 percent of residential customers – $17.29 semiannually.

Tier 3

– 3,000 to 4,999 square feet – about 30 percent of residential customers – $20.41 semiannually

Tier 4

– 5,000 or more – about 10 percent of residential customers – $23.53 semiannually

Commercial

– $46.52 monthly per acre.

(SOURCE: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services.)

DOCUMENTS

April 27 flier from county Storm Water Services explaining the change. Note that rates have changed since the flier was published.

Interlocal agreement with Mecklenburg County on storm water fees.