Collier County may charge homeowners stormwater utility fee

NAPLES, Fla. — Collier County’s stormwater program is struggling and needs new equipment.

A portion of a homeowner’s property tax is currently used to fund the storm water program, which helps replace aging pipes, pumps and other equipment.

David Wilkison, head of the Collier County Growth Management Department, said they are trying to determine how much to charge homeowners for a storm water fee.

“We looked at the counties and the cities throughout the state of Florida and the average was about $66 a year for a single family home,” Wilkison said.

If the stormwater utility fee is created, it would allow the money normally spent on the storm water system to be used elsewhere.

Collier County commissioners have to approve the new fee and homeowners won’t be charged until at least 2018.