HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Hutchinson stormwater utility fee sparked debate this week because of its connection to the State Fair. Legislation presented in Topeka has many Hutchinsonians wondering if the fair will stay in the community.

Hutchinson’s stormwater utility fee is $4.75 per ERU, or equivalent residential unit. The ERU is based on the amount of impervious surface on the property. In Hutchinson, the average ERU is set at 3,120 square feet. For every ERU unit of impervious surface on a property, $4.75 is added to the total utility fee. For example, if a resident has 31,200 square feet of impervious space, the monthly fee would be $47.50.

Most, but not all of the cities in the state have a similar policy. Most cities. like Hutchinson, also have various incentives put in place that can help residents lower their utility rate — some by as much as 40 percent.

Big businesses — such as the former Target store and Lowe’s — that have a large parking surface face fees of more than $450 per month. The Kansas State Fair was hit with a $4,300 per month fee because of the large amount of concrete and asphalt surface.

How does Hutchinson’s utility fee compare to other cities? About where it stands in the property and sales tax department: Above the midpoint. Many cities that have the stormwater utility have higher fees than Hutchinson. The Kansas City suburb of Mission tops the list with a rate of $19 an ERU. Getting closer to the norm, Lenexa and McPherson rates are above $7 a month. Newton, Liberal, Ark City, and Shawnee have rates above $6 per month. Manhattan, Fairway, Junction City and Olathe have stormwater rates above $5 a month. Hutchinson, Topeka, Lawrence, and Ottawa have rates above $4 per month.

Other cities that also carry a stormwater fee include: Pittsburgh, Hays, Derby, El Dorado, Shawnee, Overland Park and Garden City. All are between $2 and $4 per month.

Here is a list of stormwater rates in some other Kansas cities:
Mission $19
Lenexa $7.50
McPherson $7
Liberal $6.25
Newton $6.25
Ark City $6
Shawnee $6
Manhattan $5.34
Fairway $5
Junction City $5
Olathe $5
Hutchinson $4.75
Topeka $4.50
Lawrence $4.12
Ottawa $4
Pittsburgh $3.86
Hays $3.62
Derby $3
El Dorado $3
Shawnee $3
Overland Park $2.50
Prairie Village $0.04 per sq ft