Manatee County officials are considering charging residents a new stormwater fee to reduce widespread flooding issues.
The fee would add millions to the budget for cleaning canals and waterways and enhancing the county’s stormwater system, which staff say could use major improvements.
Officials pursued a similar measure in 2019, but after pushback from residents and a change in county leadership , commissioners abandoned the idea. But after last year’s hurricane season brought record rainfall and storm surge to Manatee County, leaders say it’s time to reconsider…