Proposed stormwater utility fee could address flooding issues at Jefferson City intersection

The Jefferson City public works director showed the city’s public works and planning committee Thursday how funds from a proposed stormwater utility fee could fix persistent flooding issues at one intersection.

Residents may vote on the recommended fee in August. The city council, however, has yet to officially put it on the ballot.

Last August and September, the intersection of Stadium and Satinwood was just one area in the city that was underwater after heavy rains.

“This could be a potentially dangerous situation, not just for flooding of your homes adjacent, but you know people trying to pass through the area, blocks traffic on a major arterial street,” Public Works Director Matt Morasch said.

The intersection has flooded multiple times, dating back to at least 1986.

Fixing that drainage area is just one example of much-needed projects a stormwater utility fee could fund, according to Morasch.

“You could look at flood control, and there’s over 30 million of those in the master plan listed just awaiting funding,” Morasch said. “And then, of course, that doesn’t include your everyday maintenance. “

The department currently has a yearly stormwater budget of $380,000.

The proposed monthly fee, which would be about $3.50 for a single-family home, would generate roughly $2 million a year.

To put that into perspective, Morasch said it would cost nearly that much money to fix the Stadium and Satinwood drainage area issue by upsizing two culverts, restoring and improving drainage ways and constructing two detention basins.

“The total would be around $1.5 million,” Morasch said. “And so, obviously, fairly expensive and we haven’t been doing many flood control projects because of that.”

Flooding issues are just one topic funds from the fee could be used for. Other needs include bridge maintenance and replacement and neighborhood infrastructure enhancements to improve storm water collection.