Norman voters reject new fee for drainage improvements

NORMAN, Okla. (AP) – Voters in Norman have resoundingly rejected a new stormwater utility fee that would have funded improvements to the city's drainage system.

More than 70 percent of voters on Tuesday opposed the new fee, which would have raised $4.9 million for stormwater improvements and flooding relief. The measure would have billed customers monthly based on the amount of hard surface on their properties.

Backers of the proposal say drainage system improvements are necessary in order to reduce flooding and provide a higher level of water quality protection. Voter Bo Ireland tells The Norman Transcript (http://bit.ly/2bgx2pD) that he opposed the measure because there were no credits for large, undeveloped acreages that absorb runoff.

City officials say they will present another plan to voters, possibly next year.