§ 28-316. Findings of fact and purpose.

(a)

The county maintains a system of stormwater and surface water management facilities, including but not limited to inlets, conduits, manholes, channels, ditches, drainage easements, retention and detention basins, infiltration facilities, and other components as well as natural waterways.

(b)

Those elements of the county stormwater and surface water management system that provide for the collection, storage, treatment, and conveyance of stormwater are of benefit and provide services to all property within the unincorporated area of the county.

(c)

Existing stormwater management facilities may require expansion and recapitalization.

(d)

Water quality is degrading because of erosion and the discharge of nutrients, metals, oil, grease, and other substances into and through the stormwater system.

(e)

Public health, safety, and welfare are adversely affected by poor water quality and flooding resulting from inadequate stormwater management practices.

(f)

All real property in the unincorporated area of the county either uses or benefits from the presence and operation of the stormwater management system.

(g)

Use of the stormwater management system is dependent on factors that influence runoff, including land use and impervious area.

(h)

Flood plain analysis and mapping is important to all areas of Hernando County because of coastal areas and the county's numerous lakes, rivers, wetlands and low-lying areas.

(i)

Pursuant to Florida Constitution, article VIII, section 1, and Chapter 125, Florida Statutes, the county has all powers of local self-government to perform county functions and to render services in a manner not inconsistent with general law and such power may be exercised by the enactment of county ordinances.

(j)

Section 403.0893, Florida Statutes, specifically authorizes and encourages local governments to provide stormwater management services and create stormwater utilities and collect revenue sufficient to plan, construct, operate and maintain stormwater management systems; and applicable federal government requirements mandate that state and local governments monitor and control discharge of pollutants, including but not limited to stormwater.

(k)

New and dedicated funding for the stormwater management program of the county is needed, and the creation of a stormwater management utility municipal services taxing unit is the most equitable method of providing this funding, pursuant to authority specifically granted under s. 125.01(1)(q), Florida Statutes.

(l)

Local natural resource features can be protected and enhanced as part of the stormwater management utility program.

(Ord. No. 2003-07, § 1, 3-25-03)