Community Faces Decision on Stormwater Rate Increase
Next week, residents of New Smyrna Beach will have a chance to vote on whether to raise stormwater fees from $104 to $125 per month. This proposed increase comes in response to the severe flooding that occurred during Hurricane Ian in 2022, which affected over 1,000 homes and exposed critical weaknesses in the city’s stormwater management system.
For many residents, the experience was traumatic. John DeMeglio, a homeowner in the Pine Island neighborhood, described how his family had to be rescued when their home filled with about two feet of water. “We were stuck in our house for days,” he recalled. The damage was extensive, and DeMeglio spent $280,000 on repairs, much of it out of his own pocket.
Vickie Stidham, another resident impacted by the flooding, shared similar concerns. She emphasized the need for action, saying, “Stormwater issues have been identified as the number one issue in this community.” Shane Corbin, the Director of Development Services, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the urgent need to address the city’s infrastructure challenges.
The city plans to use the increased stormwater rates to fund two major projects aimed at improving flood management and repairing aging infrastructure. These initiatives are expected to bring long-term benefits to the community, but not all residents are convinced they are necessary.
Some residents, like Stidham, support the rate increase if it means preventing future flooding. “If that’s what they gotta do to make it not flood, then I’m agreeable to it,” she said. However, others, such as DeMeglio, remain frustrated with the lack of progress despite available resources.
DeMeglio pointed out that the governor allocated over $2 million for dredging efforts, yet no significant work has been done. “We hear excuse after excuse,” he said, expressing disappointment with the slow pace of action. He also mentioned that drainage systems are not being maintained properly, which exacerbates the flooding problem.
Residents have reported that drains are often not cleaned regularly, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. This has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current maintenance practices and the overall preparedness of the city to handle future storms.
While the proposed rate increase is intended to provide much-needed funding for infrastructure improvements, the debate highlights the tension between financial responsibility and the need for immediate action. Some residents feel that the city should prioritize addressing the most pressing issues before raising fees, while others believe that the investment is essential for long-term stability.
As the community prepares to vote on the rate change, the discussion reflects broader challenges faced by coastal cities across the country. With climate change increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the need for resilient infrastructure has never been more urgent.
In addition to the stormwater rate decision, residents are encouraged to stay informed about local developments. Free news, weather, and smart TV apps are available for download, and live coverage of Channel 9 Eyewitness News can be accessed online. These resources provide valuable information to help residents make informed decisions and stay connected to their community.
