Key Biscayne Council Approves 10% Stormwater Fee Hike for Big Dig Project

Key Biscayne, Florida, USA - The recent decision by the Key Biscayne Village Council to increase stormwater fees by 10% has stirred conversations among residents and local stakeholders. This move, backed by a decisive vote of 6-1, is primarily aimed at financing the ambitious Big Dig project, which promises to enhance drainage by pressurizing pipes and directing rainwater more efficiently into Biscayne Bay. Mayor Joe Rasco stated that the fee increase is essential for maintaining the existing drainage system and settling past dues, while also emphasizing that the Council would revisit the construction aspect in the future. Interestingly, nobody voiced opposition during the public comments at the meeting, suggesting a general acquiescence to the need for improved infrastructure.

As detailed by Key Biscayne Independent, the fee hike will not only help repay an additional $60 million in borrowing anticipated over the next three years but also covers around $5 million already borrowed for project design and planning, without any construction yet realized. Moreover, this initiative goes beyond mere fee adjustments, as it ties into a broader framework known as the Resilient Infrastructure Adaptation Program, which will involve burying power lines, raising roads, and safeguarding the coastline.

Budgetary Implications

Diving deeper into the financial context, the Village of Key Biscayne maintains an intricate budget for public works. In the 2024 budget, the department employs 10 personnel with an overall budget exceeding $5.3 million. Yet, a proposal stands before the Council to engage UC2 LLC at an annual fee of $312,212 for three years, which encompasses a range of maintenance and inspection services. Some speculate that this is a preemptive move to address potentially escalated maintenance costs following the initiation of the Big Dig project, a substantial endeavor estimated to reach $350 million.

Notably, current financial planning does not appear to account for the debt service that would accompany such a large-scale project, which could impose an additional $29 million annually. This gap in planning raises eyebrows and questions about the broader financial burdens the Village may face as the project progresses, particularly regarding the transparency of information provided to residents. The ongoing hiring of a public relations firm at a cost of $200,000 aims to foster community engagement regarding these developments, indicating that the Council is keen to keep residents informed.

Addressing Flooding and Water Quality

The challenges surrounding stormwater infrastructure are not unique to Key Biscayne. According to the National Governors Association, states and municipalities nationwide grapple with the increasing need to upgrade systems capable of managing flooding exacerbated by climate change. Urban flooding alone rakes in an annual toll of approximately $9 billion in damages, which underscores the urgency for effective stormwater management programs. Unfortunately, as the NGA highlights, stormwater infrastructure remains the least funded area of water management needs.

To put it in perspective, a report from the EPA indicates a staggering $67.2 billion needed over the next two decades just to bring local systems up to snuff. In many communities, the lack of dedicated stormwater funding presents a substantial barrier, particularly for lower-income and overburdened populations. This is something Key Biscayne must consider as it engages its own residents in discussions about future funding structures and management strategies for the Big Dig project and beyond.

The road ahead for Key Biscayne is set with financial complexities and pressing needs. The rising stormwater fees reflect a necessity to adapt to changing environmental conditions and growing infrastructure demands. As these initiatives unfold, it remains crucial for residents to stay informed and engaged with the evolving landscape of local governance and urban planning.