Explanation
This ordinance authorizes an increase in Stormwater charges effective January 1, 2026 and amends Chapter 1149 of the Columbus City Codes.
With the 2026 rates increases for water, sewer, and storm combined -- based on an average residential customer with water use of 20 ccf's per quarter, City of Columbus residents are estimated to see their total bill increase $10.48 per month, or $125.80 per year, which equates to a combined bill increase of 11.72%. Low Income Discount participant's overall bill impact is 11.65%. Outside city customers overall bill impact is 12.88%. Customer's bill impact will vary with usage.
The stormwater charges per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) will increase from $.1720 per day per ERU to $.1754 per day per ERU. This increase results in approximately $.31 being added to a typical residential bill for 2026. For 2025 an average stormwater bill is approximately $15.49 and is estimated to increase to $15.80 in 2026.
The stormwater ERU charge is assessed based on each property’s measured impervious surface area. Each Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) is based on 2,000 sq ft of impervious surface area. Residents are charged at one (1) ERU per residence. All other customers are charged based on measured impervious area divided by 2,000 sq ft to determine an ERU equivalent.
The Utility Advisory Board (UAB) met on October 29, 2025 and after reviewing the Department of Public Utilities' projected expenditures for Fiscal Year 2026, recommends to City Council a two-percent (2%) increase in storm rates.
FISCAL IMPACT: These rate increases will generate approximately $404,000 in additional revenue in Fiscal Year 2026. Combined with rate increases for Sewer and Water, the overall impact to a City of Columbus' residents bill will be an 11.72% increase, depending on usage.
Title
To amend Sections 1149.07 and 1149.08 of the Columbus City Codes, to enact new Stormwater fees for the year beginning January 1, 2026, and to repeal the existing Sections being amended.
Body
WHEREAS, the Utility Advisory Board met on October 29, 2025 and after reviewing the Department of Public Utilities projected expenditures for 2026, recommends to City Council an increase of two-percent in stormwater rates, and
WHEREAS, stormwater fees are not charged to those customers outside of the City of Columbus, and
WHEREAS, if stormwater bills are not paid within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of billing, a gross rate, which is the net rate plus ten (10) percent, shall apply, and
WHEREAS, it is necessary to increase the monthly Stormwater charges from $.1720 per day per ERU to $.1754 per day per ERU to accurately match needed revenue to estimated program expenses; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operation of the Department of Public Utilities to amend Sections 1149.07 and 1149.08 for the public health, safety and welfare; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That effective January 1, 2026, Section 1149.07 of the Columbus City Codes is amended to read as follows:
1149.07 Billings and terms of payment.
(a) Billings. A stormwater bill may be rendered on either a monthly or quarterly basis.
(b) Terms of Payment. The stormwater charges prescribed in Section 1149.06 of the Columbus City Codes, 1959, are net. If monthly payments are not paid within twenty-one (21) days from the date of billing, or if quarterly accounts are not paid within thirty-five (35) days from the date of billing, a gross rate, which is the net rate plus ten (10) percent shall apply.
Effective January 1, 2000 or upon promulgation of a regulation by the director announcing the implementation of a new water and sewer information management system, whichever occurs first, if monthly and quarterly accounts are not paid within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of billing a gross rate, which is the net rate plus ten (10) percent, shall apply.
If bills are not paid within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of billing, a gross rate, which is the net rate plus ten (10) percent, shall apply.
SECTION 2. That effective January 1, 2026, Section 1149.08 of the Columbus City Codes is amended to read as follows:
1149.08 Rate Structure
Charges within corporate limits. For the purpose stated in Sections 1149.03 and 1149.10 there is hereby charged to each user situated within the corporate limits of the City of Columbus, that is tributary directly or indirectly to the stormwater system of the city, stormwater charges as hereinbefore provided, and in the amount determinable as follows:
For any such property, lot, parcel of land, building or premises that is tributary directly or indirectly to the stormwater system of the city, such charge shall be based upon the quantity of impervious area situated thereon.
(a) All properties having impervious area within the city will be assigned an equivalent residential unit (ERU), or a multiple thereof, with all properties having impervious area receiving at least one (1) ERU.
(1) Residential properties. All residential properties will be assigned one (1) ERU. A flat rate will apply to all residential properties.
(2) Non-residential properties. Non-residential properties will be assigned an ERU multiple based upon the properties' individually measured impervious area (in square feet) divided by two thousand (2,000) square feet (one (1) ERU). This division will be calculated to the first decimal place and rounded according to mathematical convention.
(b)The charge as prescribed in the rate schedule is as follows:
$.1720 .1754 per day per Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU).
SECTION 3. That stormwater rates herein established shall be applicable for all stormwater charges on or after January 1, 2026.
SECTION 4. That effective January 1, 2026, existing Section 1149.07 and 1149.08 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby, repealed.
SECTION 5. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.