Stormwater
City Stormwater Facilities
In the City of Ramsey, surface water drains mainly to the southeast and usually flows into the Rum River or the Mississippi River. The entire City is within the Lower Rum River Watershed Management Organization.
The City is responsible for maintaining its stormwater drainage system. This system includes pipes, ponds, lakes, wetlands, ditches, swales, and other drainage areas.
The City of Ramsey understands that maintaining the stormwater drainage system is vital and requires both regular maintenance and the restoration of its natural features. Proper care of these facilities will help control flooding and improve water quality.
Private Stormwater Facilities
Owners of private stormwater facilities must keep their facilities in good condition and maintain compliance with the original design standards. Their responsibilities include removing and properly disposing of settled materials from ponds, sumps, grit chambers, and other devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the cost of maintaining the storm drainage system financed?
Similar to the sanitary sewer and water systems, maintenance of the storm sewer system is financed through a storm drainage utility fund.
I do not produce any runoff, so why do I have to pay for a storm drainage utility?
Every property in the City of Ramsey with a house and/or driveway produces runoff. The storm drainage utility is a method that provides a dedicated source of revenue for storm drainage projects and maintenance. The storm drainage system is more comprehensive than just underground storm sewer pipes. It includes the ditch systems, ponds, pipes, and wetlands essential for treating and storing stormwater runoff prior to discharge into lakes, rivers, and streams.
Is anyone exempt from the storm drainage utility fee?
Other than City-owned property, there are no exemptions to the storm drainage utility. Residential uses, regardless of size, pay the lowest rate.
Why should I have to pay for installing storm sewer pipes in new neighborhoods?
Every new development will require installing new storm sewer pipes, and the property's developer will bear the cost of those improvements. Storm drainage utility revenue will not be used for new developments.
Why is this on my utility bill instead of my property tax statement?
Financing stormwater management projects through the storm drainage utility is the fairest and most economical method for residential customers. The money that is collected through property taxes is based on the value of the property rather than the amount of runoff that is produced from a typical residential parcel. The storm drainage utility fee for residential land is based on the runoff generated by a theoretical ¼-acre lot. Commercial and industrial parcels pay a much larger share of the storm drainage utility revenue because they generate more runoff.
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