The City owns and maintains a vast system of drainage including 4 detention basins, 600 structures, and 13 miles of storm sewer pipes. This system is maintained with property tax dollars. Approximately $80,000 per year is spent on maintenance of the system. Increasingly, the City is being asked to provide more maintenance by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). As costs increase, the many cities are examining alternatives to the property tax to pay for its drainage system.

The City received a grant from the NR in 2005 to study the feasibility of a fee-based system called a Stormwater Utility. The City hired Strand Engineering to complete the study. A preliminary study was issued in fall of 2006. At that time the Council decided to plan about a six month review period by staff and the public on the merits of a utility. They did not anticipate the formation of a utility prior to 2008 and the 2007 budget continues to pay for costs from the property tax.

The City Council discussed the feasibility study at its September 18, 2006 and November 20, 2006. A public information meeting is scheduled for February 28, 2007, a public hearing will be held in March or April at the City Council meeting.

Property owners are encouraged to review the information provided here about the utility and attend public informational meeting and/or the public hearing. Comments may be directed to City Hall.

Other Information:
Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study (782 Kb)
Lancaster Stormwater Utility Study (408 Kb)
Maps of Lancaster Stormwater Utility Feasibility Study Process
Parcels by Owner (92 Kb)

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