Holmes Beach Approves Stormwater Fee Increase to Fund Drainage Improvements

Holmes Beach property owners will soon see higher stormwater fees after city commissioners approved an increase designed to generate approximately $430,000 in additional annual revenue for drainage and flood mitigation projects.

City officials said the additional funding will provide the local matching dollars needed to secure state and federal grants for larger stormwater infrastructure improvements throughout the city. By leveraging outside funding, Holmes Beach hopes to accelerate projects aimed at reducing flooding in neighborhoods that frequently experience standing water after heavy rainfall.

Public Works Director Herb Raybourn said the initiative is part of a broader long-term stormwater management strategy focused on establishing an appropriate level of service for the community. Rather than simply financing projects, the approach encourages residents and city leaders to determine what level of temporary flooding is acceptable and how quickly roads and neighborhoods should drain following storms.

Officials said those community-driven decisions will help shape future investments in drainage infrastructure and prioritize projects based on local needs.

The fee increase is intended to strengthen Holmes Beach’s ability to address recurring flooding while positioning the city to take advantage of additional grant opportunities that can expand the scope of planned improvements.