City holds off on collecting stormwater fees

The city of Coeur d'Alene is suspending the collection of stormwater fees until its stormwater utility ordinance can be re-examined in light of a recent Idaho Supreme Court decision.

The Supreme Court ruled Nov. 7 that the monthly fee charged by Lewiston's stormwater utility was an illegal "tax" and struck down the fee.

Because the City of Coeur d'Alene's fee structure is similar to Lewiston's, the City Attorney's Office is reviewing the court's decision to determine its impact on the city, according to a press release submitted by Victoria Bruno, with the city of Coeur d'Alene.

The City Council voted for the suspension during Tuesday's council meeting.

Pending that review and possible revision of the city's stormwater utility, the city will suspend the collection of stormwater fees beginning with the Nov. 22 utility billing.

Stormwater systems within the city include thousands of catch basins that connect to more than 100 miles of underground pipe carrying the stormwater to Lake Coeur d'Alene or the Spokane River.

More info: City Attorney Mike Gridley at 769-2348.