Stormwater Fee Increases for Residents, Decreases for Nonprofits

UPDATED (8:54 p.m.)—Nonprofits in Baltimore County will pay a lower stormwater management fee courtesy of residential property owners.

The Baltimore County Council Monday approved new stormwater management fees by a vote of 5-2. Councilmen  Todd Huff and David Marks voted against the amended bill.

One of the main amendments adopted by the council reduced the fees that will be charged to nonprofits.

Under the proposal submitted by County Executive Kevin Kamenetz, nonprofits would have paid $36 dollars for every 2,000 square-feet of impervious surface. The council amended the bill to reduce that fee to $20—a 48 percent discount.

To offset the reduction, the council voted to increase residential fees by $3. Under the newly approved bill, homeowners with a standard townhouse lot of about one-fifth acre will see a flat fee of $21. Owners of a single family detached home can expect to see a flat fee of $39 annually.

Last week, some nonprofits like the Baltimore Jewish Council told the council the increase could force reductions in the community services they provide.

Sunday, parishioners at Catholic churches around the county were given letters asking them to oppose the fee on nonprofits.

Under the bill as proposed, Kamenetz and future county executives would have the power to set the fees. Some councilmembers including Marks and Councilwoman Vicki Almond questioned giving that ability.

Monday night, the council amended the bill to require the county executive to review the fees annually and report back to the council. The legislators would then have 30 days to review the fees and possibly take up the issue themselves.

Note: The fee is based on 2,000 square-feet not 1,000. Patch regrets the error.