The Sebastian City Council unanimously passed a motion with a 5-0 vote to approve the new Stormwater Master Plan, a project focused solely on maintaining the existing stormwater system. Arcadis U.S. provided an update on the project details during the meeting.
Focused on sustainable stormwater management, the plan forecasts considerable financial requirements, with projected annual expenses ranging from $800,000 to $1.3 million over the next ten years. It is anticipated that these costs will be financed through the city’s discretionary sales tax.
However, Arcadis highlighted the need for a 41% increase in funding and staffing for stormwater management, potentially raising customer annual stormwater fees by $4.10, bringing it from $10 to $14.10. Notably, stormwater fees haven’t risen since 2018. Future increases were not approved in this meeting; any potential hikes will be considered later so citizens will have input. The council did, however, greenlight the project’s forward movement.
Addressing the stormwater issue in its entirety would cost around $193 million, a daunting figure exceeding the city’s budget fourfold. Key challenges include clearing muck from primary canals and costly wall replacements. While some projects may qualify for grants, acquiring these funds isn’t easy.
Historically, the city has faced long-standing stormwater issues, primarily due to financial constraints. Past efforts were limited to basic repairs, with significant improvements deferred. Sebastian’s flat terrain and high groundwater levels exacerbate the challenge, leading to flooding during storms.
However, the city has made progress in improving the Indian River Lagoon, significantly reducing nitrogen and phosphorus levels. Regarding the rise in sea level, Arcadis predicts a 6-inch increase by 2050 in Sebastian but expects minimal impact from this on the stormwater project.
Mayor Ed Dodd praised the report, expressing the council’s eagerness to progress without delay. Vice Mayor Kelly Dixon and Councilman Fred Jones stressed that the project would solely support maintenance. Councilman Chris Nunn called for a prioritized plan for larger projects, and Councilman Bob McPartlan sought detailed cost analyses for enhancements, including canal work.
Dr. Graham Cox, an advisory director for the Friends of St. Sebastian River, appreciated the plan but requested more time for review, suggesting workshops for public education and engagement. He emphasized the importance of community involvement and understanding in implementing the plan’s 400-plus recommendations.
Dodd agreed that the stormwater document is currently more technical in nature and emphasized the need for an easier version to understand.
“I anticipate that we’re going to have many, many, public meetings on this whole process as we move forward,” Dodd said. “Something this big and this important to the city needs to be communicated fully and often to the public.”
