The City Council opted to do away with a $1 storm water fee it imposed two months ago, and residents will get a $2 credit on their utility bills as a result.
The city instituted the fee as part of its 1991-92 budget to cover the cost of permits it anticipated Orem would need to comply with Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing storm water discharge. Orem officials thought the city would need three permits.But, the Department of Environmental Quality told officials earlier this month that's not so. Orem will need just one permit, and that permit can be included as part of a state-wide general permit.
City staff gave the council three options for handling the fee: eliminate it and return the money to residents; eliminate the fee but keep the money collected to date - $30,000 - and use it on related storm water projects; keep the fee and use the money for storm water projects.
The council chose the first option.