A Message for the City of Dahlonega’s Utility Customers

Beginning January 2021, a stormwater user fee will appear on utility bills.

In September 2020, the City Council of Dahlonega formally adopted a stormwater utility and user fee program for all properties within the City limits. This was to address existing and future stormwater drainage issues and to comply with the regulatory requirements imposed by State and Federal agencies.

A stormwater user fee charge was identified as the most equitable method available to fund implementation of the City’s Stormwater Management Program. This will ensure that all developed properties within the City pay their fair share of the City’s cost to provide the required stormwater services.

The stormwater user fee charge will be based on impervious surfaces (e.g. rooftops, driveways, parking lots, etc.) for each property.  Impervious surface has a direct correlation with the quantity of stormwater runoff individual properties discharge to the City’s drainage system.

Customers that reduce their impact on the City’s drainage system through approved credit practices are eligible to receive a reduction (credit) on their monthly stormwater user fee bill. The City offers stormwater user fee credits to both residential and non-residential customers that undertake one or more specific stormwater management activities which reduce effects of stormwater discharge.

The initial billing of the stormwater user fee is planned for and will appear on your utility bill beginning in January 2021. This fee is based on the impervious surfaces determined from the most recent aerial photography available.  A rate of $1.50 per 1,000 square feet of impervious surfaces located on each property is used. Based on this information, an average residential customer with approximately 3,000 square feet of impervious surface on his/ her property should expect a monthly stormwater bill of $4.50. To learn more about the City’s Stormwater Management Program and the user fee credits offered, please visit the City’s stormwater management webpage at www.dahlonega.gov/stormwater.  Additionally, you may contact us at the City Hall located at 465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, Ga. 30533 or at (706) 864-6133 with more specific questions regarding the City’s Stormwater Management Program