05/27/2026
Douglas County officials are recommending that the Board of County Commissioners take no action at this time on the proposed Stormwater Utility ordinance and rate structure currently scheduled for May 28, 2026, in order to allow additional time for modification of the proposed ordinance, rate structure, and implementation framework. Staff further recommends the establishment of a Stormwater Utility Task Force to assist the County Manager in evaluating options and developing recommendations responsive to community concerns. Click here to view the memo from staff with the updated recommendations:https://cdnsm5-hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_12493019/File/StormwaterMemo_052726.pdf
County staff emphasized that long-term investment in stormwater infrastructure and flood mitigation remains necessary to address drainage challenges, protect public safety, and maintain eligibility for future grant funding opportunities. However, staff concluded that additional review is warranted to ensure the proposed utility structure is fair, transparent, affordable, and responsive to community concerns.
During the course of the public review process, residents and stakeholders expressed concerns regarding:
• Affordability and proportionality of rates
• Classification and calculation of impervious surface areas
• Long-term accountability and oversight of revenues
• Questions regarding implementation timing and process
• Perceived inequities among ratepayer groups
• Concerns regarding future rate escalation
• The relationship between development, growth, and infrastructure funding responsibilities
• Perceived benefits of the utility
“Residents have made it clear they want greater participation in shaping any long-term stormwater funding solution,” said Jenifer Davidson, Douglas County Manager. “Staff believes additional collaboration and evaluation will result in a more balanced and durable framework that better reflects community priorities while continuing to address the County’s critical infrastructure needs.”
As part of the recommendation, staff plans to establish a Stormwater Utility Task Force consisting of community stakeholders, residential property owners, business representatives, agricultural interests, technical experts, and other affected parties. The Task Force will assist in reviewing:
• Utility governance and oversight;
• Budget and operational requirements;
• Proposed rate methodologies and alternatives;
• Service level expectations;
• Potential credits and affordability measures; and
• Long-term implementation strategies.
The County Manager’s Office expects to bring forward a proposed framework for the Task Force during the June 4, 2026, Board of County Commissioners meeting, including recommendations regarding the membership and role of the Task Force for Board discussion and direction.
Additionally, under the current recommendation:
• Several agenda items related to the Stormwater Utility program, capital planning, and related infrastructure planning efforts on the May 28th agenda would be referred back to staff for additional evaluation and future consideration.
• Proposed Ordinance 2026-1670 establishing the Stormwater Utility and Resolution 2026R-033 establishing utility rates will still be presented during the May 28th public hearing to allow the Board and staff to continue receiving public comment and feedback. While the board may discuss these items, ask questions, and respond to public comment, staff will recommend no action be taken to adopt the ordinance or rates for the Stormwater Utility at this time.
The Board of County Commissioners is expected to discuss the staff recommendations for the Stormwater Utility at its upcoming meeting on May 28, 2026.
Additional information regarding the Stormwater Utility is available at:
https://www.douglascountynv.gov/GOVERNMENT/departments/community-development/stormwater-and-flood-management/establishment-of-stormwater-enterprise-utility
For questions or concerns regarding the stormwater utility, please contact the County Manager's office at [email protected] or 775-782-9821.
