Jackson council to pause stormwater fee work amid state push for new rules

Jackson’s Town Council is scheduled to hear an informational presentation April 20 on a potential stormwater utility fee — but staff is recommending the town hit pause on additional fee-related briefings for now, citing state-level pressure and failed 2026 legislation. The request comes as the Wyoming Association of Municipalities (WAM) prepares to advocate for a statewide approach after two bills (SFO116 and HBO141) did not pass, and after Laramie and Cheyenne reportedly repealed their stormwater fees. (Public comment is listed for the workshop item.)

In the workshop packet, Public Works lays out what a town stormwater “level of service” could include, such as adding two full-time positions — a stormwater engineer focused on LDR administration and inspections, and a stormwater manager plus utility-billing cost share — along with contracted water-quality testing, storm-system maintenance (including street sweepers), and a steady capital-project funding stream. The presentation ties the work to the town’s Strategic Stormwater Program Plan goals, including improving creek water quality and removing Flat Creek from the state’s 303(d) impaired-waters list.

Staff also outlines a common stormwater billing concept built around “Equivalent Residential Units” (ERUs) tied to impervious surface area (roofs, pavement, etc.), and notes that a future program could include a credit policy (with a cap) for properties that install qualifying on-site stormwater controls.

The item is for discussion only and includes no suggested motion. See the Town Council Workshop Agenda Packet.