Comments requested for Baltimore's Proposed Credit Program for the Stormwater Restoration Fee
Jeanne Knight
Hello Baltimore City friends,
I recently attended a City public meeting to discuss the new stormwater fee and volunteered to coordinate community outreach so I would really like your input.
The State of Maryland passed a bill last year that requires all municipalities to create a stormwater fee (HB 987). This basically means that you will see a new fee on your water bill, starting this July, for approximately $18 to $36 per quarter which is $72 to $144 per year for residents. This will be significantly more for non-residents such as churches and non-profits. The fee will also be calculated differently for apartment and condo residents. Industry will be charged $18/1050 per square foot of impervious area per quarter.
The City is required to create a credit program where citizens can either volunteer or install stormwater devices to reduce their bill. The committee suggested a max of 8 volunteer hours could reduce your bill up to $8 per year. My question to you, would this credit inspire you to volunteer and apply for the credit? Or what amount of money would inspire you to volunteer or install a stormwater device such as a rain barrel?
Additional details and information can be found at the website: http://www.cleanwaterbaltimore.org/
Thanks for your input and let me know if you want more information or if you want to be updated as this moves forward.
Theresa Bruton @ tbr...@gmail.com
Please copy any letter to Sharon Guida SLG...@cs.com and to me at jeanne...@msn.com