Delray Beach advances 4.8% stormwater rate hike, eyes revenue bond for capital projects

Delray Beach advances 4.8% stormwater rate hike, eyes revenue bond for capital projectsThe Florida city expects to generate $7.68 million from the FY 2027 assessment, while a concurrent financial feasibility study will determine the viability of bonding for upcoming pump station and drainage upgrades.

The base rate per stormwater unit will increase from $23.17 to $24.28, generating an additional $434,153 over the previous year.

Assessments are tiered based on impervious surface area, with residential properties accounting for $5.4 million and commercial properties contributing $2.2 million of total revenue.

Willdan Financial Services is conducting a feasibility study to support a potential revenue bond for projects including the Thomas Street Pump Station and Tropic Isles.

The City Commission reached a consensus to bring the proposed rates forward for formal adoption in August.

Delray Beach, Florida, is moving forward with a 4.8% increase to its stormwater non-ad valorem assessment for fiscal year 2027 to cover rising operational and capital costs. The City Commission reached a consensus during its July 14 meeting to bring the proposed rates forward for formal adoption in August. Assistant Director of Public Works Cynthia Busan presented the rate adjustments, noting that the base rate will rise from $23.17 to $24.28 per stormwater unit. The adjustment is expected to push total stormwater assessment revenues to $7.68 million for the year, an increase of $434,153 over the previous cycle. The city updated its stormwater ordinance in May 2023 to assess properties based on impervious surface area rather than a flat residential unit fee, a move designed to tie financial burden directly to a property's impact on the drainage system. Under the proposed FY 2027 rates, Tier 1 residential properties (500 to 2,000 square feet of impervious area) will see an annual increase of $3.01, bringing their total to $65.56. According to Busan, more than 80% of the city's 32,232 assessed parcels fall into the first two residential tiers. In total, residential properties will account for $5.4 million of the revenue, with commercial properties contributing the remaining $2.2 million. Beyond the incremental rate increases, Delray Beach is preparing for larger infrastructure investments. Busan announced that the city has engaged Willdan Financial Services to conduct a Stormwater Rate and Financial Feasibility Study. The study will evaluate the utility's long-term sustainability and lay the groundwork for issuing a revenue bond. The anticipated bond would finance several major capital improvement projects currently in the planning or construction phases, explicitly including upgrades to the Thomas Street Pump Station and the Tropic Isles projects. A comprehensive presentation detailing the specific stormwater capital improvement projects is scheduled for August alongside the formal rate adoption.