NPT Collections: Storming the Gates
A collection of stories on the stormwater controversy, arranged in chronological order. Refresh yourself on how the issue evolved over the last couple of months. The most recent story can be found here.
Opting Out of Stormwater District a HACEP Possibility
by Sito Negron
State law allows some government entities to opt out of stormwater district. But it does not mandate the option for all government entities, and HACEP is contemplating litigation regarding the issue.
Posted on March 25, 2008 • read more »
Stormwater Fee Revolt Might be Brewing
by David Crowder
The bill for putting the city's drainage system together is coming due, leading to blowback from some commercial customers and a series of public meetings to address the issue.
Posted on April 14, 2008 • read more »
Stormwater Fee Adjustment Might be Coming
by David Crowder
Mayor John Cook is predicting that the new stormwater utility rates that have produced a flood of appeals and protests from businesses, school districts and churches will be changed – that is, lowered – later this year.
Posted on April 24, 2008 • read more »
Legality of Stormwater Utility Questioned
by David Crowder
One law says a city can set up a second utility, including a drainage utility, under a board of at least seven members, but El Paso’s PSB is set up under a different law that limits the board to five members.
Posted on April 25, 2008 • read more »
Stormwater Fee Reduction to Come After Public Hearings
by David Crowder
In addition to lowering the fees, after the series of public meetings concludes next week, the PSB will look at giving property owners with on-site ponding a break. The comments from PSB officials re-enforced recent statements from the mayor and city manager.
Posted on April 26, 2008 • read more »
Apartment Owners File Stormwater Lawsuit
by NPT Staff
The lawsuit charges the stormwater fee is really a tax prohibited by the Texas Constitution, and also that it violates the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and is discriminatory because most apartment renters are minorities.
Posted on April 29, 2008 • read more »
The Public Heard, it's Time for Stormwater Fee Reductions
by David Crowder
Reductions are planned, but for who and how much, you'll have to wait until the PSB meeting Wednesday evening.
Posted on May 6, 2008 • read more »
Stormwater Fees Go Down
special to NPT
Residential and non-residential fees will be reduced by 37 percent, effective June 7, 2008. Because the fee reduction reflects revenues collected for March, April and May, the new fees are not retroactive.
Posted on May 7, 2008 • read more »
Holguin Pushes Stormwater Fee Rollback
by Sito Negron
A familiar back-and-forth: The issue is fees and taxes, Holguin said, not whether improvements on the city drainage system are needed, or if so, what level of improvement is needed. Fellow council member Ortega said he'd welcome a discussion on policy alternatives.
Posted on May 9, 2008 • read more »
Stormwater Debate Drains Council, Public; Utility, and Fees, Stay
by David Crowder
The stormwater utility will continue, although it will take another look at its rates in three months. The council, yet again, affirms the utility.
Posted on May 13, 2008 • read more »
Stormwater Fee in December: No Problem; Now? Lawsuit, and Recall Threat
by David Crowder
The apartment owners are suing, the Ysleta school district threatens to sue, Ray Gilbert threatens to sue, and a newly formed business group is looking at a recall. Other than that, the stormwater fee is no big deal.
Posted on May 19, 2008 • read more »
Mayor: Reduce Rates, and Relax Recall Rhetoric
by David Crowder
While acknowledging public backlash, Cook says he's disappointed in recall efforts; he also says reduced fees ought to be made permanent.
Posted on May 19, 2008 • read more »
A Lawsuit Seeks Injunction on Stormwater Fees; Separately, a Petition Calls for City Control
by NPT Staff
Two separate efforts, a lawsuit that seeks a finding the utility is illegal, and a petition that seeks to place the utility under the city, were launched against the stormwater utility yesterday and today.
Posted on May 22, 2008 • read more »
Mayoral Recall Filed; Drainage Storm Rages
by David Crowder
The filing marks yet another attack on the stormwater district, and perhaps a prelude to a long election season that will not culminate until about this time next year.
Posted on June 2, 2008 • read more »
Mayor Cook: "Administration Will Not Shy Away"
by David Crowder
People who heard the State of the City address gave Cook and his administration credit for boldness even as they noted the city’s enormous miscalculation over the stormwater utility.
Posted on June 5, 2008 • read more »
