Last week, to combat recurring flooding issues, the Sebastian City Council approved a significant increase in monthly stormwater fees for property owners from $10 to $14 per month.
Last year, the City Council unanimously adopted a Stormwater Master Plan, following a review by the consulting firm Arcadis U.S. during a public meeting.
Arcadis emphasized the need for a 40% increase in funding to pay for additional stormwater management personnel and to improve infrastructure. To address this shortfall, the consulting firm recommended raising customer monthly stormwater fees from $10 to $14.
Mayor Ed Dodd said the increase will allow the city to add five more employees to its stormwater team. Dodd assured residents that the city is committed to protecting property and minimizing the impact of future storms.
According to City Manager Brian Benton, the increase is primarily for operations, maintenance, and a few additional staff.
Over the years, the stormwater fee has seen gradual increases. In 2001, it was $5 per month, rising to $10 in 2018. Despite these adjustments, the city has struggled to keep pace with the maintenance and repair of its extensive stormwater infrastructure, which includes culverts, baffle boxes, pipes, canals, and ditches.
Arcadis told the City Council last year that fixing the stormwater issue in its entirety would cost around $193 million, a daunting figure that would exceed the city’s budget fourfold. The stormwater system in Sebastian was initially designed decades ago by General Development. However, the system has become outdated.
Another ongoing problem is when residents fail to maintain their swales and culverts in front of their property, causing their entire street to flood. A culvert affects more than one person and begins to flood the streets and community. According to a city ordinance, a homeowner can be fined for not keeping them clear.
Due to financial limitations, Sebastian has historically struggled with stormwater issues. Past efforts have been restricted to basic repairs, while significant improvements have been postponed. The city’s flat topography and high groundwater levels further complicate the problem, making it particularly susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall.