Stormwater Management Fee in St. Charles?

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Byline: James Fuller jfuller@dailyherald.com

Flood protection may soon come at an extra cost for St. Charles residents.

City officials are investigating the creation of a new stormwater management fee all residents would be forced to pay on their monthly utility bill.

Right now it costs the city about $2.2 million a year to repair storm sewers, sweep the streets so gutters don't clog, and operate the city's sump pump connection program.

All that cash comes out of the city's general fund, which is the main checkbook for the city.

Pressure on that fund from dwindling sales taxes and increased city staff salary costs makes it increasingly …