 Culverts are collapsing beneath Athens roads, causing a dangerous situation for drivers and an expensive funding deficit for taxpayers. Fortunately, the commission is considering raising the stormwater fee by 25% next year as recommended by the advisory committee. This fee helps prevent flooding, erosion, and keeps up the quality of our water supply, but it's never been enough to maintain the stormwater infrastructure itself. Since this critical infrastructure will continue to age, we need a sustainable funding mechanism that will support upkeep in perpetuity. If nothing is done, the stormwater management program's costs will exceed their income by 2029. We literally cannot afford to not act. The commission made a step towards sustainability at Tuesday's meeting and may vote to raise the fee soon.