Newberry Considers Stormwater Assessment District

NEWBERRY ‒ The City of Newberry is weighing its options, including assessments, to fund costs of running the City’s infrastructure and upcoming development.

The City Commission previously expressed interest in possibly establishing a stormwater assessment district to fund stormwater maintenance and improvements in the downtown area. The stormwater assessment, much like the fire assessment, is required to benefit the properties that pay the assessment, and funds collected are restricted to use on stormwater projects.

At the Feb. 12, 2024 City Commission meeting, the Commission voted 4 – 1, with Commissioner Tim Marden casting the dissenting vote, to move forward with a stormwater assessment study.

“Proceeding with the study does not implement the fee without several additional actions of the Commission,” said Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer Dallas Lee. The Commission will have several opportunities to move forward or put the brakes on the matter following completion of the study.

It is estimated that adoption of a stormwater ordinance could occur sometime between April and June of this year. If approved at that time, the Commission will consider a final resolution to adopt the new rate sometime between July and August.

The study is expected to cost approximately $30,000.

Newberry Historical Association

With an eye toward the town’s past and future, the Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2024-04, to create a five-member Newberry Historical Association (NHA). Each member, who will be appointed by the mayor, will have one vote, as well as a non-voting chair. The NHA will elect its own officers and establish its own procedures. NHA meetings will be open to the public will conform to Sunshine Laws and Roberts Rules of Procedure.

Identified undertakings include exploring establishment of a historic museum within the community. The Newberry Historical Association will prepare a final report and deliver it to the mayor and commissioners with the findings, recommendations and proposals to establish the museum.

The association will also explore opportunities and initiatives for the sole purpose of restoration and preservation of the community’s buildings and artifacts, as well as developing procedural methods for cataloguing historic moments, impactful citizens, events and artifacts.

Solid Waste Rate Amendments

In other business, the Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2024-05, to fund solid waste collection services with WastePro USA. In November 2023, the Commission extended the existing agreement with WastePro, leading to price increases for all customer categories.

The City is revising its customer rates to pay for twice-weekly household garbage collection and once-weekly collection of yard waste and recyclables.

Historically, the City added a 18 percent markup to cover costs related to city-provided waste services, customer service and other solid waste activities. Due to the cost increase, the Commission approved lowering the markup to 15 percent for all categories. The City anticipates this reduction will generate enough revenue for the City’s solid waste operations while offering minor rate relief to customers.

Rate increases in the coming years for residential customers have been calculated as follows: As of 10/01/24 - $24; as of 04/01/25 - $29; as of 10/01/25 - $33; as of 04/01/26 - $34; and as of 10/01/26 and beyond the rate will be based on the CPI Increase amount. In addition, a $0.50/monthly postage fee will be charged to cover the cost of billing customers.

The resolution also addresses non-residential solid waste for small commercial accounts. Garbage, trash and rubbish will be picked up twice weekly with yard debris, recyclables and white goods picked up once weekly. The cost is $43.50 plus $0.50/monthly postage fee to cover the cost of billing customers.

Non-residential solid waste services for large commercial accounts, which will be effective for billing periods after March 1, 2024, are based on the yard size and frequency of pickups. Interested businesses should contact the City for details.

Water/Wastewater System Development Fees

Newberry is currently considering rates for impact fees for water/wastewater systems. Dallas Lee presented information for Commission consideration during the budget process later this year.

A development fee report was completed in 2023 to consider the current rates and/or development fees to ensure funding availability for future infrastructure renewal, replacement or expansion projects.

Development fees are collected to offset the impact development has on the utility infrastructure. These fees are charged against new construction at the time of permit issuance to offset the cost of new infrastructure needs of the utility.

These funds are held in trust funds to only be used on expansion and enhancement of the system. The City Commission adopted development fees in 2005 and last increased the fees in 2022 by 12.5 percent. “These fees have been critical in funding the utility system,” Lee said.

Election Update

The City of Newberry will be holding its annual Municipal Election on April 9. All seats are elected at-large and are non-partisan, with City Commissioners serving two-year terms. The qualifying period for the upcoming election ends at noon on Thursday, Feb. 15.

Up for election this year are seats currently held by Commissioner Group I - Ricky Coleman, Commissioner Group II - Mark Clark and Commissioner Group III - Monty Farnsworth.

The next City Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 26.

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