A system that is usually unseen but very important is getting some needed attention.
The City of Sioux Center is proposing a small increase in the monthly stormwater rate to help maintain and improve the aging stormwater system – the system of drains, pipes, and basins that help prevent streets from flooding when it rains.
If approved, this increase would be a 50-cent increase to homeowners this year, and a 50-cent increase in 2027. The increases for commercial properties will be based on the impervious area at that property, ranging from $1 to $5. The current rates - $2 a month for a residence - have remained the same for more than 15 years.
The monthly stormwater fee is collected from all properties as part of their utility bill and specifically used to update and upkeep the stormwater system, which exists to help “protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City of Sioux Center.”
The stormwater system is made up of intakes, drains, ditches, detention basins, and about 25 miles of underground pipes take surface water away from streets for public safety. The largest of these pipes is about 4.5 feet in diameter.
“Some of our infrastructure is aging and needs to be replaced. We’ve also been doing more with slowing down the water with detention areas to reduce problems downstream. The maintenance for that is not free,” Utilities Manager Murray Hulstein said. “Dealing with water gets expensive.”
The proposed increase requires three readings by the City Council before it is approved. If approved, the first increase (50 cents for a residential property) would go into effect May 1, 2025. A second increase (50 cents for a residential property) would go into effect January 1, 2027. The council has approved the first and second readings. A third and final reading is scheduled for the 4 p.m. April 7 City Council meeting.