Chattanooga Pulse

Here is one of the more interesting agenda items set to be discussed at the December 15 meeting of the Chattanooga City Council.

5. Ordinances – Final Reading:

e) An ordinance to amend Chattanooga City Code, Part II, Chapter 31, Section 31-355(a) to extend the time in which to file a notice of protest concerning the accuracy of water quality fees imposed in 2009 from December 31, 2009 to March 1, 2010.

The city attorney had requested this ordinance, which would allow the many businesses and landowners in Chattanooga to appeal the highly unpopular increase in the storm water fees imposed by the city.

The fee increases, which in many cases are three times higher than last year, were made in response to threatened fines from the Environmental Protection Agency due to Chattanooga being well out of compliance with the Clean Water Act.

The biggest concern over the dramatic increase is that it will create a negative effect on both new and exisiting business and commercial growth in the city at a time of economic difficulties.

The Chattanooga City Council meets each Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the City Council Building at 1000 Lindsay St. For more information on the agendas, visit www.Chattanooga.gov/City_Council/110_Agenda.asp