Douglas County Commissioners opted not to take action on a proposed stormwater utility fee structure for residents on Thursday evening, despite hours of public comment.
While a decision was not made, the measure could be brought back as part of a future agenda.
However, at the next meeting, commissioners could vote on a stormwater task force, which, if approved, will make future decisions on the issue.
Public response to the meeting was massive, with two overflow rooms needed to handle the crowd.
The meeting started at 10 a.m. Thursday morning and public comment lasted for hours.
For many years, Douglas County has experienced lots of issues with flooding and its stormwater infrastructure.
"I think there is an issue that they are talking about that needs to be addressed, however their whole procedure with going through this is warped," said Don Ryan, Douglas County resident.
The proposed fee structure was designed to give the county about $4 million to help address the issue.
Douglas County
The proposed fee structure is based on three separate areas. Base rate, local service area rate, and a capital surcharge.
All residents would be hit with a base rate, but not all would be responsible for paying the other two. The combined amount would be their monthly rate.
These amounts were then split based on the amount of impervious surface on a property, to try to make it equitable. That includes roofs, concrete surfaces, and walkways or roads.
This would've meant the rates would've been vastly different for each resident.
Many people at the meeting were criticizing the county for how it spent its money in the past, only to then try to charge its residents.
"$34 million on an event center up in Tahoe benefits just the casinos," said Steve Price, a Douglas County resident. “We buy a movie theater. Why are we doing that?"
"It's almost like giving a credit card to a teenager," said Mary Anne Park, Douglas County resident. "Of course, they're going to spend it on irresponsible stuff. No one wants to spend money on food and groceries."
Some residents wish the majority of the community were involved in the process all the way back in September when it initially started.
"I just wish there was a better way to get people here in the beginning so that they could know all the things that I have gotten to see and all the presentations that were put forth, because the presentations would probably calm a lot of people down," said Ansie Scossa, Douglas County resident.
Many who opposed amending the fee structure pointed to a 3% yearly property tax increase and seniors being on fixed incomes.
