UPDATE 1/16/24: Due to inclement weather, the public meeting is postponed. There will still be a special presentation on the rate study. Find more information HERE.
The Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District is hosting a public meeting to introduce a rate study initiated by the BBWARM Advisory Committee and program staff in the fall of 2023.
BBWARM is a special-purpose district established by Whatcom County to manage stormwater and address citizen concerns about water quality problems, flooding, and loss of aquatic habitat in the Birch Bay watershed.
The BBWARM District service charge has remained unchanged since its inception in 2009. The rates are based on the density of impervious surface area on a property, such as pavement, rooftops, driveways, and parking areas. The average single-family home in Birch Bay has 4,000 square feet of impervious surface and pays $75 annually. Due to the long list of stormwater improvement projects needed in Birch Bay and rising construction costs, it has become clear that a rate study, and likely a service charge increase, is warranted.
The rate study and funding analysis will help determine the total rate revenue required to meet BBWARM’s financial obligations, which will allow BBWARM to continue providing valuable services to the community. The county’s consultant will present findings from the first policy paper and a comparison of current BBWARM fees with stormwater utility rates from nearby jurisdictions. The public is encouraged to attend and provide feedback at the January and April advisory committee meetings. Results from the technical analysis and a recommended rate structure will be presented in April. It is anticipated that a final recommendation will be presented to the County Council in June for their consideration, at which point there will be a public hearing.
BBWARM Advisory Committee Rate Study Meeting
Date/Time: January 17th at 6 pm
Address: 5280 Northwest Drive, Bellingham, WA 98226, or join remotely via Zoom at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88957154189
Contact Whatcom County Public Works Stormwater staff with questions at 360-778-6230 or [email protected].
