Sterling Heights City Council approved a proposal to study a potential stormwater utility, voting to accept a $83,700 proposal from Rapatelli's Financial Consultants Inc. to evaluate possible rate structures and design options.

Councilmember Radke, who supported the contract, said the study will produce three rate-structure options and provide the data necessary to allocate costs fairly and create incentives for large impervious-surface users to reduce runoff. "If we are to create a utility, let's get all the information we can," Radke said.

Councilmember Yanez opposed the measure at the meeting, calling the $83,700 a substantial expenditure and expressing concern that residents had not been adequately engaged before placing the study on the consent agenda. "My biggest concern is the process," Yanez said, urging more public outreach so that residents understand what a stormwater utility is and how it would affect them.

Council members who supported the study said it had been discussed during strategic planning and budget sessions and that the appropriation was in the budget. The measure passed with one no vote; the study is intended to inform any future decision about creating a utility and to produce rate alternatives and implementation options.

Provenance: topicintro SEG 2395, topfinish SEG 2641.

Speakers quoted: Mister Radke (Councilmember), Mister Yanez (Councilmember). Ending: The consultant will proceed with the study and return findings to council; any decision about creating a stormwater utility will follow additional analysis and public engagement.