The Kelso City Council voted last evening to approve the final round of utility rate increases, with stormwater rates set through 2030.The increases passed 5 to 2, with Councilmembers Lisa Alexander and Keenan Harvey voting against. This year, the monthly stormwater rate for a residential parcel will be set at $11.17. Each year, the rate will increase by just over a dollar, reaching $17.30 by 2030.

The major change comes in how Other Developed Parcels, which include commercial buildings, will be charged. The monthly service charge will be determined by dividing the total impervious area of the parcel by the square foot value of one ESU. One ESU is equivalent to 3,000 impervious square feet, which is the minimum charge.

This year, the minimum charge for Other Developed Parcels will be set at $5.16 per month. However, over the next few years, that number will quickly increase to ensure commercial buildings pay the same share as residential units. By 2030, the minimum charge will be $17.30.

The city’s consultant group on the matter, FCS Group, recommended the changes back in November. They reported that, as it stands, single-family residential homes make up just 34% of the impervious area in the city, but they contribute 59% of the stormwater revenue.