Funding Study
Whatcom County Public Works and FCS GROUP conducted a funding study to evaluate fee structure options for the new stormwater utility service area from June 2018 to March 2019. A Funding Study Kickoff Public Meeting was held on April 18, 2018. Stakeholder input and recommendations were provided by a citizen advisory committee throughout the funding study. Interested members of the public attended advisory committee meetings and provided comments to the committee for consideration. After the conclusion of the advisory committee meetings, a second public meeting was held on April 30, 2019.
Advisory Committee
A citizen advisory committee was selected by Whatcom County Council on May 8, 2018. The purpose of the committee was to represent rate payers in the Lake Whatcom Stormwater Utility Service Area and advise Whatcom County Public Works staff and the Whatcom County Council on recommended a stormwater fee rate structure. The committee provided their final recommendation on March 20, 2019 and dissolved when council adopted a rate structure. Committee members are listed below.
| Sudden Valley Representative | Laurence Brown |
| Geographic | Todd Citron |
| Geographic | Nancy Alyanak |
| Geographic | Harry (Skip) Johnsen |
| Geographic | Nathaniel Washington |
Funding Study Issue Papers
Issue papers were an important part of the funding study. These papers outlined different issues with relevant information on state and county codes, policies, cost, and feasibility. The purpose of the papers was to provide information needed for the committee to consider the issue and make a recommendation on that specific component of the proposed rate structure. Download draft issue papers below. Final versions of the papers are incorporated into the final report.
Issue Papers
- Fiscal Policies Draft May 30, 2018
- Rate Structure Alternatives Draft June 4, 2018
- Stormwater Rate Credits & Adjustments Draft August 10, 2018
- Stormwater Capital Facilities Charges Draft September 4, 2018
- Implementation Policies Draft March 14, 2019
Comments and Questions
Comments and questions received during the funding study were logged in the table below with staff response. All written comments submitted are also provided for download. The comment period during the funding study is over. Send questions to [email protected].