Johnston Residents Can Speak Out on Storm Water Fees Monday

The next step in creating a storm water utility takes place Monday evening.

The Johnston City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal to establish a fee to improve and construct infrastructure that transports storm water in the city.

The council hosted a in February to answer residents' questions.

While the council has discussed the issue since last November, more definite numbers are coming into focus.

The utility is configured using an average equivalent residential unit, or ERU.

One unit would be equivalent to 4,000 square feet of solid surface area, including driveways, sheds and other structures on a property.

As currently drafted, each unit would generate $4.55 on a monthly bill, with no annual increase. The council will review the utility each year, however, to determine if increases are needed.

Initially, the was compiled so each unit would generate $4.90, with a 5 percent annual increase. 

The initial plan also called for exemptions to governmental properties, including churches and schools.

However, after much discussion the council decided those facilities should be included in the fee.

Residents are invited to share opinions during the public hearing starting at 7 p.m. Monday at .