The City of Salem has created a committee to evaluate and structure a potential stormwater fee. This group includes citizens, business owners, church leaders, industry and engineering professionals, and representatives from Roanoke College. Over several months, the committee will study the issue and hold public hearings. Their findings will then be presented to City Council for consideration and a final vote.
A dedicated funding mechanism that a local government uses to manage and implement a stormwater management program. It functions similarly to a utility (like water or electricity), where users are charged a Stormwater Utility Fee specifically to support stormwater management service.
Stormwater Enterprise Fund:
A fund within a local government, used exclusively for stormwater management. It operates similarly to a water or sewer utility fund—revenues collected from users are reinvested into stormwater services.Stormwater Utility Fee:
A user-based fee charged to property owners, typically based on the amount of impervious surface area on their property (e.g., square feet of roof or pavement).
Enabling Legislation - Stormwater Utility or Enterprise Fund
- Municipalities are enabled by Legislation (§15.2-2114 Regulation of Stormwater)
- Defines Spending, exemptions and the requirement to provide credits to those subject to the fee.
