Show All Answers

1. Because we now have a Storm Water Utility Fee, will my property tax decrease?

No. In the past, some of the storm water related activities now being funded by the Storm Water Utility were supported by the City’s General Fund. Although the City’s storm water needs have increased substantially over the past several years, there has been no increase in the City’s millage rate to address these needs. While certain costs have been shifted to the Storm Water Utility, the City itself is now subject to the same “impervious area” based utility fee as the rest of our Storm Water Utility customers.

2. Can you provide me with information on storm water service costs for previous fiscal years?

City financials are of public record and may be viewed upon request.

3. Shouldn’t the majority of the burden of this cost now be borne by the new development areas within Tega Cay?

Any developed lot (commercial or
residential) contributes to storm water and issues relating to storm water. By creating
this new fund, we will be able to better maintain this system (which is over 30 years old
in parts of Tega Cay), monitor the outfalls (minimizing pollutants into the lake and
streams), conduct the proper routine maintenance to ensure that the storm water system
functions properly, and meet the stringent requirements of our mandated NPDES
permit.

4. How are non-residential properties assessed their Storm Water Utility fee?

Using aerial photography and current building permit records, the City can accurately determine the total amount of impervious surface present on each nonresidential parcel of property. Using this total impervious area calculation, nonresidential properties are assessed Storm Water Utility Fees in increments of 3,500 square feet. For example, if a non-residential property in Tega Cay is determined to have 30,000 square feet of impervious area, that property would be assessed an annual Storm Water Utility Fee of $864 based on the following: 30,000 square feet divided by 3,500 (one ERU) = 8.57 ERUs. 8.57 is rounded up to the next full ERU, making a total of 9 ERUs for the property. The 9 ERUs are then multiplied by $96 (the single ERU rate) to reach a total of $864.

5. Why are you charging me for storm water services, when this is usually linked to water utilities in most communities?

The storm water service has nothing to do with your water and sewer
service. You are correct that in other municipalities, the storm water fee is often attached
to a customer’s water and sewer bill. Unfortunately, there are two water/ sewer
providers in Tega Cay and we were not able to attach an additional $8/ month to
everyone’s monthly utility bill.

6. Why is a 1700 sq. ft. single family residence on ¼ acre lot with mature landscaping charged the same as a 4,000 sq. ft. residence with little to no landscaping?

In adopting an impervious surface based storm water utility, the City’s consultant inventoried and surveyed all residential property in Tega Cay using recent aerial photography and building permit records. In so doing, the consultant was able to determine the average amount of impervious surface present on residential properties in Tega Cay. The average impervious area per residential property (the Equivalent Residential Unit) was found to be 3,500 square feet. When the cost of the Storm Water Program was divided among developed properties within the City, the value of each ERU was determined to be $96 per year.

7. Do the more recently developed areas of the City create greater storm water burdens than other areas?

Anytime construction activity occurs, whether it is in the new sections of our City or in “historic” Tega Cay, there are things the developer/contractor must do to ensure erosion and sediment control. Under our new Storm Water Program, these sites are inspected by staff on a routine basis. Staff also spends time inspecting pipes, inlets and outfalls n “historic” Tega Cay. We are now permitted by the State and are required to meet and maintain federal standards.

8. Does this yearly fee need to be paid in one lump sum or can it be paid with our monthly service over time?

We looked at having this fee as a monthly charge, but unfortunately, the cost of sending out a stand alone monthly bill for $8 was not cost effective and would have required us to charge an even greater fee. In the absence of an existing monthly invoice (such as water/ sewer) that the City mails to all residents, this was the most cost effective way to bill for storm water. If you would like to discuss payment options, you will need to speak with Dora Perry (803.548.3512 ext 122).

9. Does this new fee have anything to do with my current monthly water/sewer bill? If I have automatic draft for my water bill, will this be drafted as well?

This new bill has no relationship with your water/ sewer bill. These are stand alone utility bills funding two different departments. Even if you already have automatic draft payment on your TCUD bill, you will still need to pay this bill. You may do so by enclosing your bill receipt with a check in the self-addressed envelope that was included with your bill, or you can come by the City Administrative Building, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5 PM and pay by credit/debit card. You may also drop off your check in the City’s drop box located next to the Administrative Building.

10. Am I allowed to tie my landscape drainage into the storm drain that is at the street in front of my home?

No. This is considered an illicit connection and is not allowed without prior approval from staff. If you are found to have an illicit connection, you may be asked to disconnect and possibly fined.