Rehoboth Beach is moving forward with plans to establish a stormwater utility by April 2026 to fund critical infrastructure improvements.
With millions of dollars in upgrades needed, city officials aim to create a sustainable funding method for stormwater management.
How the Utility Will Work
The city has been exploring this issue for years, forming a task force to recommend a funding strategy.
The proposed method, stormwater billing units, would base fees on a property’s impervious surface area—the more runoff a property generates, the higher the fee.
Key Findings and Costs
AECOM, the city’s consulting firm, conducted an analysis revealing that Rehoboth’s impervious surfaces are distributed as follows:
- 39% roads
- 39% residential
- 21% nonresidential
- 1% church/nonprofit properties
Estimated annual fees for a typical home under two different funding scenarios:
- Operations & Management Only: $236 in 2026, increasing to $273 by 2029
- Operations, Management & Capital Improvements: $445 in 2026, rising to $515 by 2029
Considerations and Next Steps
City officials are still determining what the fee will cover.
Mayor Stan Mills expressed concerns about the accuracy of aerial imagery used to assess impervious surfaces, while Commissioner Francis Markert suggested exploring incentives for property owners to reduce runoff.
To address concerns, officials plan to:
- Implement an appeals process for property owners disputing their assessments
- Develop a credit program for those taking steps to minimize stormwater runoff
- Clarify definitions of pervious vs. impervious surfaces (e.g., mulch vs. stone)
Infrastructure Needs and Timeline
Over the next five years, Rehoboth Beach estimates $6.2 million in stormwater system improvements.
While the city has made incremental upgrades—such as raising curbs and enhancing street sweeping—officials are awaiting the completion of the stormwater master plan, expected to be 90% finished in the coming months afterward once given approval.
No exact date has been set for the next commissioner discussion, but progress continues as the city refines its approach.
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Source: Cape Gazette