OSHKOSH STORM UTILITY FEE OR SHOULD BE CALLED THE OSHKOSH STORM WATER EXTORTION FEE

Below you will find a couple of e-mails one that I sen to the city council concerning the Oshkosh Storm Water Utility. I found out that for just one facility the Winnebago County Expo Center will have increases of 28.7 % in 2009 and 39.8 in 2010 and over 10% in years after that.

You also have a response I received form City Manager Mark Rohloff of which these high increases across the board effecting all non-profits,other governmental property owed by the state,county, and Oshkosh Area School District, Also you the private property owner. I wonder how the city of Oshkosh expects everyone to absorbs these outrageous increases. That means for instance instead of funds gong toward teachers and educational materials it will go toward paying these fees. I e-mailed the school board members my concerns and at least he has responded back he is concerned.

These rate increases were passed at the last city council meeting. After reading the e-mails if you think something should be done I urge you to contact you city council.


THE E-MAILS-----THE E-MAILS----- THE E-MAILS-----THE E-MAILS-----

Dear City Council Person :

I am writing to ask you a few questions about the Storm Water Utility Fee which you approved raising at last Tuesday's meeting .

1) How much is in the STORM UTILITY FUND right now .

2) What projects have been approved to use funds collected from the fees.

3) Could you provide how much are each governmental entity are suppose to pay in storm Water Utility fee
this year and the next 4-5 years and if so how much of % increase.

4) How are cities of similar size addressing this federal mandate ?

I am asking these questions because at my Winnebago County Parks Committee yesterday that Strom water utility fee increase goes up 28.7 % for 2009, 39.8 % in 2010 and it goes from an assessment of $27,101.81 and in 2013 that figure will be $52,678.19 for a total of over $225.000 for a six year period. And that is for just one county facility.

I assuming, thats why I am asking, that the schools system, the state of Wisconsin, and non=profits are paying the same rates. To me this one government taking advantage of another governmental unity. Forcing the county,school district, and the state of Wisconsin to either tax more to cover these outrageous rate hikes or diminish the program and services they offer.

While this fee is universal not all will benefit from the projects that will paid by the fee. I know the Winnebago County parks, Parkview,Sheriff's or Highway Department will since I heard this is done to help the flooding on the west side. I also am hard pressed how the airport will gain from such projects as well. So your taking those who will not gain from the funds the fees will generate.

Is there anyway or could you support giving a break to governmental and non-profits from this tax? Why or why not. I understand the city taxes itself for this tax I would like to know if it charges itself the same rate(s) that I stated the Winnebago County Expo is being charged. And how are the various departments handling to absorb the fee.

I look forward to your response.


MIKE NORTON
1029- B SOUTH MAIN STREET OSHKOSH, WI 54902 920-426-1051


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Dear Mr Norton

I will ask staff to answer your questions. Most of your questions have been asked previously asked, so we will be able to answer them.

By way of background, Oshkosh's rates are comparable or less than peer municipalities. One purpose of the storm water utility is to charge large institutional users that typically generate significant storm water runoff. These are often governmental entities. The rates are based on a fixed rate per amount of impervious surface, so the rates are comparable for all users. For this same reason, credits or exemptions for one governmental agency would be unfair to others. Because large state or regional educational facilities are located in Oshkosh, we have to account for the impact of their runoff the same as other large private or non profit facilities.

I will have city staff respond to the remainder of your questions.

Thank you.

Mark Rohloff
City Manager