Statement For the Stormwater Funding Referendum

We urge you to vote to REJECT Ordinance 2006-20
Rejecting this Ordinance will send the issue back to the County Council to reconsider the way that we fund important stormwater projects to insure clean water, a healthy environment and County compliance with the GMA.

Although a citizen's committee and experts worked hard on the proposed content of the Ordinance, many of the suggestions and advice of the citizens and experts was disregarded in the passage of Ordinance 2006-20.

The shortfalls in Ordinance 20-2006 are clear. There is no provision for landowner mitigation of stormwater impacts, there is no cap on the amount charged, no sunset clause, and no consideration of equity in the fees charged. There is no accountability since the charges are assessed and the dollars spent by Public Works and the complaints and appeals are reviewed by Public Works.

In voting to reject Ordinance 20-2006 you will be giving the County Council an opportunity to craft a stormwater funding law that establishes a partnership between landowners and government. We need an Ordinance that responsibly deals with storm and groundwater concerns, is fair to landowners, and respects the needs and diversity of the beautiful islands of San Juan County.

Alexandra Gavora
Francine Shaw
Julie Palmer

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Statement Against the Stormwater Funding Referendum

Please Vote to Approve: We need the Stormwater Utility
We depend on rain water. But rainfall that washes over roofs, driveways and roads can erode shorelines, flood roads and homes, and carry pollutants (petroleum, heavy metals, animal waste or sediments) into creeks and marine waters. The recent report card on Puget Sound's marine environment, State of the Sound 2007, indicates declining marine and fresh water quality. A major reason is the increase in stormwater run off.

We can improve water quality by responsibly managing our stormwater runoff. 81 other municipalities in the region have done so. A diverse citizens committee worked over many months through public open meetings and thoughtfully evaluated nine options for funding. They concluded that we all contribute to stormwater by using the roads and shopping in the villages and recommended that we all help fund the solution with a reasonable fee that is simple to administer.

We need comprehensive stormwater management. We can achieve a future of continued growth and prosperity for all the residents of the islands while maintaining a healthy environment. The current simple, affordable utility fees help keep San Juan County waters clean and healthy.
Please vote to Approve.

Lisa Byers, Orcas Island
Peter Kilpatrick, San Juan Island
Jim Slocomb, San Juan Island

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