City of Palm Coast Approves Additional Investment in Flood Protection

The Palm Coast City Council has voted to add additional resources for stormwater management and flood protection by approving stormwater fee adjustments over the next five years. These adjustments are necessary to support future needs, meet stormwater system goals, and maintain level service standards. In response to economic concerns for residents, City Council Members also included a provision stating that any additional increases after this five-year adjustment period cannot exceed the consumer price index (CPI). This change will help reduce volatility and stabilize the rate for the future.

Under the Stormwater Department's five-year plan for stormwater infrastructure projects, the current rate of $22.27 per household will be subject to the following fee changes, effective October 1st of each year: $28.34 in 2023, $32.87 in 2024, $36.16 in 2025, $38.33 in 2026, and $39.10 in 2027. 

In May 2022, Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., was contracted to conduct a comprehensive review of the Stormwater Enterprise Fund and provide a new rate study analysis to support the future needs and level of service of the Stormwater Utility. The study aimed to cover system operations, enhanced maintenance levels, critical capital repairs and upgrades, including failing pipes under roads, and ongoing replacement needs. A series of public City Council meetings were held between February and May 2023 to reach an acceptable resolution.

Palm Coast's infrastructure was primarily constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. Since its incorporation in 1999, the city's leadership has prioritized flood risk reduction. The City joined the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) in 2002 and entered the Community Rating System (CRS) in 2004. The CRS documents the City's efforts to mitigate flood risks. Over the years, Palm Coast has progressively improved its CRS rating to Class 4 in 2017, maintaining that rating in 2021. CRS ratings range from 1 to 10, with lower numbers indicating better ratings. Furthermore, this rating enables Palm Coast residents to purchase flood insurance at a 30% discount.

In 2004, the City Council adopted its first Comprehensive Plan, which outlined proactive flood reduction policies and the review and implementation of floodplain regulations. City staff also developed a stormwater management program, strategic plan, and cost analysis to address infrastructure needs. These components are integrated into comprehensive five and ten-year Capital Improvement Plans that explore options for an accelerated program to address infrastructure assessment, inventory, inspections, maintenance, regulatory requirements, monitoring, and tracking.

To keep residents informed about capital projects, including those related to stormwater, the City provides a GIS (Geographic Information System) mapping tool that allows individuals to check project statuses. The Capital Improvement Plan can be viewed here. And the swale maintenance map can be viewed here. 

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