The informational letter regarding the “environmental fee” recently imposed by the town government has raised several questions in my mind.

First and foremost I would like the term “parcel” defined. Are commercial properties charged the same $3 rate? I would guess the Target center and Fountain View Village, and others with larger areas and parking lots, produce much more storm water runoff than my typical city lot.

Does the town contribute for the downtown’s open parking areas? Are vacant and/or unimproved parcels charged the fee? What about multi-family properties for the same reason?

I understand why the monies are needed, but I wonder if they are not loaded against the individual residential property owner. I also wonder why the fee could not have been collected by simply adding a quarterly amount to the Sanitary District’s billing and then have them transfer funds as appropriate?

In closing, I will say that the company chosen seems to have given every possible option for paying your fee and as a professional business concern is most likely to protect any and all personal information.