Proposed stormwater fee in Terre Haute defeated

Bennett/ Lucy Perry photo

The community continued speaking out against a proposed stormwater fee as it made its way before the Terre Haute City Council  for a vote last night at City Hall.
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The controversial ordinance had previously been tabled by the Sanitary Board, but now met it's final obstacle when the council voted  unanimously against it. All nine members voted in opposition -- including Amy Auler, Don Morris, Curtis DeBaun, Martha Crossen, Todd Nation, Karrum Nasser, Earl Elliott, Neil Garrison and George Azar.

Several of the same arguments heard during other meetings held in recent months were voiced by many in the audience and on the council last night, who said they felt the proposed fee was unfair -- especially for businesses, churches and non-profit organizations. Residents who live outside of the city limits complained, as others had before, that it was a case of taxation without representation -- since they can't vote in city elections. Some say they simply  can't afford another fee, while others wondered openly if they will even live to see  a drain installed on the street where they've resided for decades.

Making a final pitch for the ordinance before the vote, Mayor Duke Bennett reminded the council that "to do nothing is not an option." He admitted early in the meeting that he didn't think the council would pass the proposed fee last night; however , he urged them to consider tabling it rather than defeat it. He also stressed the user fee is not a tax, as many keep referring to it as one.

While asking the council members to open up the channels of communication with the administration, he said he hopes to continue the dialogue of creating additional revenue -- noting some residents have suggested a preference for a sewer rate increase to the proposed stormwater fee. With that in mind, he pointed out that the rate proposal will be on next month's agenda.

"It's not the end of the world if we don't solve it tonight," Bennett said, as he discussed the next phase of the Long Term Control Plan." We've got to keep this thing moving along, before we begin to feel the repercussions from the state and from the EPA."

Audience member Richard Shagley addressed the council before the vote and said the community skepticism on on the proposed fee came down to two issues:  Credibility and transparency. He noted that he thinks the community has had the problem for "a few years." In addition to previous talks of sludge-to-diesel plant creating some mistrust, he reminded the council of recent plans through the years for a new police station and fees implemented in the past.

"Let's look at our spending, and then we can discuss our revenue, ' Shagley said.

After public comment, Garrison opened up discussion with the council. He said he thinks the fee is "disguised" as a federal mandate and is really a means to subsidize the general fund.

Nasser outlined many issues with the proposed fee and  noted the financial situation the city is facing. He pointed out challenges of low assessed values in the community in addition to property tax caps. He added that he felt the recently implemented trash fee was an effective means of new revenue, but admits he is not comfortable with a stormwater fee at this time.

"I cannot sit here in good faith and tell my constituents to pay a fee for services that they don't receive," Nasser said. 

Crossen agreed with Garrison and Nasser, adding that she has concerns about city expenses.

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Rick Shagley/ Lucy Perry photo

In other business:

• The council approved a resolution for a 10-year tax abatement for property at 2420 Fifth Avenue. Attorney Rick Shagley addressed the council that the former blighted property would be phase ll of the current Warren Village apartment complex. It would include low-income housing in which tenants can opt to purchase the home after 15 years.
• The council approved an ordinance to amend city code regarding tax abatements and fees.
• The council approved a resolution for the transfer of $9,400 in the Fire Department budget . Chief Jeff Fisher said it is for a part-time position.​
• The council tabled an ordinance for rezoning property at 3029 Fenwood Avenue.

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