The Maple Valley Department of Public Works is gathering information from the public concerning the city’s surface water management plan, which includes an increase in the stormwater utility rate for residents.

The public works staff presented the council with the plan and rate increase April 6, and members requested the staff schedule public meetings concerning the plan.

A public meeting was held April 29 at the Lake Wilderness Lodge with another meeting planned for 7:30 p.m. next Tuesday at the Lake Wilderness Lodge.

The issue, according to a staff document available at the public meeting, involves an “update to the city of Maple Valley Surface Water Management Plan.”

The plan outlines the city’s drainage system for stormwater. The federal government requires cities to implement a stormwater sytem.

According to the Public Works document provided to the public, citizens of the city pay $7.09 each month or $85.02 per year for a single-family residence. Commercial rates are higher and based on impervious surface area calculation.

According to the city the monthly rate has been the same since 1992.

The staff is proposing to spend $1.6 million in fund reserves to upgrade the system, which includes capital projects and maintenance. The proposal also calls for an increase in residential monthly rates of $11.99 in 2010, $12.10 in 2011 and $12.76 in 2012.

The city document noted residents in Black Diamond pay $13, $14.61 in Covington and $14.06 in Issaquah. Mill Creek comes in on the low end at $6.50 and Duvall at $19.92.

The information and opinions gathered from the meetings will be presented to the council before a final decision made.