Sarasota County Proposes Increase in Stormwater Fees, Yet Audit Reveals Surplus Funds

Sarasota County is grappling with stormwater management as administrators resist recommendations from a stormwater consultant, favoring another proposed rate hike despite an audit indicating that over the next five years, the utility could generate more than $70 million without increasing fees.

Just two years after a substantial stormwater rate hike, county officials are requesting more financial support from taxpayers to enhance water quality and flood protections. This proposal follows significant flooding in neighborhoods far from the coast during last year’s storms.

A detailed investigation by the Florida Trident and Suncoast Searchlight revealed that the county overlooked critical stormwater management issues, including sediment buildup in Phillippi Creek and vacant key stormwater management positions. These oversights contributed to the county’s disorganized stormwater utility system.

In light of these issues, the county appointed Ben Quartermaine as the new Stormwater Director, proposing an annual rate increase of more than 25% to fund necessary improvements. However, this recommendation clashes with an audit conducted by consultant Steve Suau, a former department head, who advised against raising rates, suggesting that the department already has ample available funds within its $30 million annual budget.

Both recommendations will be discussed in a stormwater workshop this Friday, marking the fourth session of the year following the significant flooding in 2024 that sparked community concern.

Commissioner Tom Knight emphasized, “Enough is enough. The overtaxation of our residents must end. We already have the highest rate per capita in the state.”

Although Quartermaine and Suau have collaborated to identify issues in the stormwater program, they remain at odds regarding funding priorities. County Administrator Jonathan Lewis acknowledged the disagreement, emphasizing that it is the commissioners’ task to determine the path forward.

Millions of Dollars for More Employees and New Equipment

In response to the findings from the June investigation, county leaders have taken measures to address stormwater management issues. For instance, commissioners directed the creation of an independent Stormwater Department in July, aiming to improve oversight and efficiency.

The department has since added workforce resources, hiring five contractor teams with a total of 16 crews to mitigate backlog maintenance orders, including the clearing of ditches and restoring stormwater pipes. To enhance public perception, officials have utilized social media to share updates on maintenance efforts.

Despite public pressure, officials have continued to advocate for funding increases. Quartermaine states he is reviewing the projects audited by Suau to prioritize current board goals. He anticipates that if commissioners approve an increase, residents will see their stormwater utility fees rise by about $31, bringing the average homeowner’s total to $143.20 annually.

Suau Audit: Planned Stormwater Projects Lack Public Benefit

In conducting the audit, Suau reviewed over 40 ongoing and proposed stormwater projects, uncovering a lack of clarity regarding their public benefits and justification for associated costs. Notably, he identified $70 million worth of project costs that could be redirected to more pressing needs within the Stormwater Environmental Utility.

His audit concluded that with better utilization of current funds—approximately $11.5 to $14 million annually could be saved without requiring a tax increase. Suau recommended the county adopt mandatory benefit-cost analyses for stormwater improvement projects to ensure responsible allocation of resources.

Resident Connie Neeley voiced her concerns at public workshops, expressing disapproval of further rate increases, citing inadequate results from past hikes. “We’ve seen nothing for it,” she stated emphatically. “Any increase in stormwater taxes is not warranted.”

This story was produced by Suncoast Searchlight and Florida Trident, nonprofit newsrooms serving the community. Learn more at suncoastsearchlight.org and floridatrident.org.

Key Information

• Sarasota County is facing internal resistance against a new stormwater rate hike.
• Recent audits reveal over $70 million could be generated without increasing fees.
• New Stormwater Director Ben Quartermaine proposes a 25% rate increase.
• A community investigation uncovered poor stormwater management contributing to flooding.
• Residents are voicing opposition to new tax increases amidst previous hikes.
• County officials have hired contractor teams to alleviate maintenance backlog.