Colo. Springs Goes After 18,000 Who Owe Stormwater Fees

The city says more than 18,000 home and business owners still owe $1.6 million in stormwater fees, more than a year after the much-maligned Stormwater Enterprise was abolished.

On Tuesday, the city council decided that residents who owe money will have it added to their property taxes next year. A city spokesperson said there could also be an administrative fee tacked on.

The city released a more than 100-page list with addresses that owe delinquent fees. It includes some well known businesses, like the U.S. Post Office on 8th Street, which according to the list, owes the city $13,298.75, and the Hilton Garden Inn on Aerotech Drive, which owes $6,213.14.

KRDO Newschannel 13 went talked to several people whose addresses were on the list. Some said they didn’t know they owed, while others said they intentionally didn’t pay because they felt the stormwater fee was a tax citizens never voted on.

“I think it’s unfair, we were never asked to participate. The stormwater was just forced on us,” said Mark Medina, whose address was on the list. “It’s just an extra tax I think.”

Medina said a relative lived in the home before he did, and he doesn’t believe the fee is his responsibility.

Some who paid their stormwater fees said they expect the city to collect everything owed.

“I’m one of the taxpayers that paid, and if the city doesn’t go after them, then I want my money back and I think the people that did pay should get their money back,” said Rita Tatel. “If I paid, I think all of you should pay, it wasn’t that much.”

A city spokesperson said all of the money collected will go to stormwater costs the city still owes, and there will be nothing will be left over. If you want to find out if your address is on the list, click here and scroll to page 186.