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Talent may charge for street use City also considers storm drain fees By WENDY SIPOREN TALENT -- The City Council is considering two new sources of revenue to repair and expand city storm drains and streets. A consultant will be chosen this month to set system development charges for storm water drainage. A feasibility study is also planned to determine whether to charge city residents and businesses a fee for using city streets and storm drains. If adopted, the revenue would go toward maintenance and repairs of city streets and storm drains, says city administrator Leahnette York. Separate from system development charges, which may only be used to accommodate new development, utility fees may be used for keeping systems in good repair. Medford has charged single-family residences a storm drain utility fee of $2.95 per month since 1984. The fee sends $1.3 million annually into city coffers. First adopted in 1992, Medford's street user fee was increased to $2.97 per month for single-family residences in 1998. It provides $2.1 million annually to the city for road maintenance. The city of Ashland charges households and businesses similar fees. Phoenix and Eagle Point charge a street user fee. In addition to the utility fee study, Talent plans to adopt system development charges for storm drains. Three years ago the city began assessing system development charges for parks, roads and drinking water. Most other cities in Jackson County also charge for sewer. The city has received a $13,500 grant from Rural Investment Funds -- state lottery money -- to finance the study. The city is required to match the grant funds with $3,650. At their Wednesday meeting, council members will decide between two bids to complete the study. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA