By Joe Dominguez
J.Dominguez@krdo.com

COLORADO SPRINGS - Colorado Springs elected leaders are trying to determine if a 2 year phase out of Stormwater Enterprise Fees are the best thing for the city.

It was the recommendation at an informal meeting on Monday from the Stormwater Advisory Committee. It would allow the city to finish projects like Templeton Gap levee improvements. Without that, it leaves hundreds in the path of a potential flood and flood plain insurance would be required for homes and businesses along Austin Bluffs Parkway between Union and the interstate.

The city council does not have to follow the recommendation however. City Attorney Patricia Kelly says in her interpretation the ballot language gives the city eight years to phase out the project. That would allow the city to complete all improvement projects scheduled. There was little indication from the city council that it would stretch out that long though.

Another option is to end the fee immediately. Some argue that with the passage of ballot question 300 in November is a decree from voters that the city council should act on immediately. Plus there's also the possibility that revenue would fall off because of the vote with customers refusing to pay the bills.

There's also the question of what to do with those who have outstanding bills due in the name of the stormwater enterprise. Over the past two years, it's added 15.5 million dollars to city coffers for capital improvement projects and waterway improvements. Still, there's another $7.87 million dollars in unpaid bills and fines that could be collected. The city could turn those collection notices over to the El Paso County treasurer. The money would then be collected when a house is sold because through liens on the house. Councilman Randy Purvis objected to handling uncollected funds this way but did say "those who haven't paid should pay."