Stormwater Utility Questions and Answers

The Willow Park City Council recently approved the creation of a stormwater utility and established fees for said utility. The purpose of the utility is to fund storm drainage improvements throughout the city. If you’ve ever seen what a good rain does to many of our roads, yards, and low-lying areas, then you know this is a long overdue need for the city. The rates, which you will see reflected on your utility bill in the next few months, are calculated as follows:

For single family residential, $5.50 per month for 1,500 square feet of living area. Some other examples:

2,000 sf Living Area = $7.32/month

2,500 sf Living Area = $9.19/month

3,000 sf Living Area = $11/month

Q. What kind of work will this utility fund?

A. This is a stand-alone fund that will only finance routine maintenance on the existing drainage and debt service for larger projects, including drainage channels, culverts, bar ditches, and subsurface storm drainage. The city will use both existing staff and outside contractors for these projects.

Q. What areas are the highest priority?

A. The drainage channel from Fox Hunt to El Chico along the Boswell Ranch on the eastern area of the city; the drainage culvert along Sam Bass and Squaw Creek; the culvert along Pleasant Ridge; and the intersection of Chuckwagon Trail and the I-20 frontage road. Other areas in need will be identified and addressed in the coming months.

Q. How will my living area be calculated?

A. Through the Parker County tax rolls.

Q. I have a septic system. Am I exempt from this fee?

A. No, because septic/wastewater drainage and stormwater drainage are unrelated. The only exemptions we can legally allow are vacant properties with no alterations from natural state and commercial properties that have certain existing drainage improvements.

Q. I believe I qualify for an exemption. How do I appeal with the city?

A. An appeal should be made in writing to the city finance director during the first 30 days after you are assessed the fee on your bill. Until a determination is made, you are still responsible for paying the fee.

Q. This is the first time I’m hearing of this. How long has the city been working on this process?

A.  The city began considering a stormwater utility as far back as 2019 and had an engineering report presented to the council in 2020. Prior to establishing the utility, the city published notices in the newspaper in both January and February and had information about the hearings on the city website and in the city newsletter. Two public hearings were also held before the action was taken. The city only received feedback in favor of establishing the stormwater utility.

Q. I have additional questions. Who do I contact?

A. You can email info@willowpark.org for more information.