Recommend approval to procure consulting services from Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. in the amount of $49,651.00. The consulting services will be used by the Stormwater Management Department to determine the feasibility of a stormwater utility or other alternative funding system for use in equitably funding the City’s efforts in managing the stormwater work plan. The stormwater work plan consists of operations and maintenance, environmental administration, and construction in progress.

Currently, stormwater management is funded through the City’s general fund, with some of its capital improvement projects funded through Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The City’s infrastructure is aged, regulatory requirements are more demanding, and the City’s budget is limited. Additionally, a significant number of tax-exempt entities that utilize and benefit from the City's stormwater system do not contribute to its maintenance, which places an undue burden on homeowners and business owners. Thus, the recommended proposer shall provide professional services to evaluate the feasibility of the implementation of a stormwater utility for the City of Savannah. 

Approval