Sarasota County Supports Auditor’s Decision Against Increasing Stormwater Rates

Last week, Steve Suau addressed the Sarasota County commissioners, indicating that an increase in stormwater assessment fees may not be necessary.

Notably, the engineer and hydrologist used for an independent audit found more agreement among speakers at the county’s fourth informational workshop on stormwater management.

Even before Suau spoke, many residents expressed their stance. “This isn’t Monopoly money,” resident Connie Neeley remarked. “It comes from our wallets.”

By the end of the session, all five commissioners concurred. Initially, the county staff had presented two proposals for fee increases, recommending the higher option to address various projects aimed at optimizing rainwater flow.

However, with millions in storm aid coming in and an $18 million reserve fund, many began questioning the necessity of the proposed increase.

The only vocal proponent of the fee increase was Ben Quartermain, the new head of the stormwater department. Though formal votes couldn’t be taken in the informal setting, the commissioners indicated their reluctance to raise the annual fee from $31 to $143 for the average homeowner. The last fee hike occurred in 2022.

“Thanks for keeping a smile on your face, even though we kind of drug you through the keyhole backwards,” Commissioner Teresa Mast quipped to Quartermain.

That said, maintaining the status quo isn’t the long-term solution.

Suau’s recent audit suggested a fresh approach to project management, emphasizing the stormwater department’s mission focused on sediment management and mitigation.

This means prioritizing maintenance.

He proposed that a cost-benefit analysis—which has often been overlooked—should guide project approvals. Reevaluating projects currently in the pipeline might yield a new priority list that offers greater value for investment.

“We’ve known maintenance was critical,” Suau stated. “However, project prioritization has not kept pace with this necessity. If the county commits to focusing on maintenance, they might find that increasing assessments isn’t required.”

He noted that two projects set to be funded from the county’s surtax funds lacked the requisite cost-benefit analyses and alignment with other stormwater initiatives. Suau identified about $50 million in surtax-funded projects that could benefit from reordering.

“Everywhere I look, it seems there are opportunities to find revenue,” Suau remarked.

In defending the proposed fee hike, Quartermain mentioned that during this early reevaluation phase, the savings might not be enough to sustain current rates. Additionally, a 20% vacancy rate in his department would need addressing to manage upcoming projects.

He also noted that reductions could be feasible in subsequent years as the savings from Suau’s recommendations materialize.

Commissioners acknowledged that the stormwater department has an $18 million reserve, with potential additional funding available if needed by fiscal year 2026.

Key Information

• Subject: Stormwater Assessment Fees in Sarasota County
• Participants: Steve Suau, county commissioners, and residents
• Current Fee: $31 per year for an average homeowner
• Proposed New Fee: $143 per year for an average homeowner
• County’s Reserve Fund: $18 million
• Last Fee Increase: 2022
• Recommendations: Focus on maintenance and cost-benefit analyses for projects