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6 recommended a mechanism for dividing the costs and setting billing units according to the impervious area on developed properties. Ms. Haggerty gave two options for rate models, one that included funding from the General Fund and one that relied fully on utility fees. The vast majority of City residents would be charged for three billing units or less. She reviewed possible incentive programs and alternative funding options. She also gave a summary of the advisory committee's recommendations. Ms. Riddervold reviewed the proposed stormwater utility ordinance. The proposed effective date is January 1, 2014. She said this has been a very public process, and many community members have engaged on this topic. Ms. Smith asked how much of our current tax dollars have been used for storm water. Ms. Riddervold said $830,000 was used from the General Fund. Mr. Norris asked if there were other options in addition to the utility tax the committee was tasked with considering. Ms. Riddervold said the 2008 committee spent a significant amount of time on researching a variety of approaches, so this committee focused on what the recommendation was from the 2008 committee. Since the decision in early 2008, there has been $1.35 million total spent. Ms. Smith asked what dollar value in bonds is proposed as part of this plan. Ms. Haggerty said $3.4 million for the lower rate, or $4.2 for the higher rate for the first five years. We are proposing to bond about 50% of what could be bonded. Mr. Norris asked what our current debt ceiling is when it comes to bonding authority. Mr. Jones said 8%, but this would not be counted as part of the debt service because it is a utility fee. Ms. Szakos said many emails Council has received have been positive. The City properties could not be included because they are not allowed to impose fees on themselves, but the General Fund contribution could ameliorate the deficit. Ms. Galvin asked Ms. Riddervold about a standing committee. Ms. Riddervold said Council may commit to establishing a standing committee but not officially codifying it. Mr. Huja said the headline saying he was opposed to this fee was inaccurate. Ms. Smith asked if we have a percentage of the total impervious surface that will not be imposed with a utility fee. Ms. Haggerty said they will get the number for Ms. Smith. On motion by Mr. Huja, the public hearing was opened. Mr. Jack Brown, 1505 Dairy Rd., Chair of the Rivanna Conservation Society, said the Water Resources Protection Program is simple, fair, and well-reasoned.