FAQs • Ramsey, MN • CivicEngage

I do not produce any run-off, why do I have to pay for a storm drainage utility?: Every property in the City of Ramsey that has a house and/or driveway produces run-off. The storm drainage utility is a method to provide a dedicated source of revenue for storm drainage projects and maintenance. The storm drainage system is more comprehensive than just underground storm sewer pipes. It includes the ditch systems, ponds, pipes, and wetlands that are essential to the treatment and storage of storm water run-off prior to the discharge into lakes, rivers and streams.

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Storm Drainage

1. How is the cost of maintaining the storm drainage system financed?: Similar to the sanitary sewer and water systems, the maintenance of the storm sewer system is financed through the use of a storm drainage utility fund.

2. I do not produce any run-off, why do I have to pay for a storm drainage utility?: Every property in the City of Ramsey that has a house and/or driveway produces run-off. The storm drainage utility is a method to provide a dedicated source of revenue for storm drainage projects and maintenance. The storm drainage system is more comprehensive than just underground storm sewer pipes. It includes the ditch systems, ponds, pipes, and wetlands that are essential to the treatment and storage of storm water run-off prior to the discharge into lakes, rivers and streams.

3. Is there anyone that is exempt for the storm drainage utility fee?: Other than City owned property there are no exemptions to the storm drainage utility. Residential uses, regardless of size, pay the lowest rate.

4. Why should I have to pay for the installation of storm sewer pipes in new neighborhoods?: Every new development will require the installation of new storm sewer pipes and the cost of those improvements will be borne by the developer of the property. Storm drainage utility revenue will not be used for new developments.

5. Why is this on my utility bill instead of my property tax statement?: Financing storm water management projects with the storm drainage utility is the fairest and most economical method for the residential customer. The money that is collected through property taxes is based on the value of the property rather than amount of run-off that is produced from a typical residential parcel. The storm drainage utility fee for residential land ($6.30 per quarter) is based the run-off produced from a theoretical ¼ acre lot. Commercial and industrial parcels pay a much larger proportion of the storm drainage utility revenue, as they produce much more run-off.