Whisky's for drinkin' and storm water's for fighting over...

Reading, MA proposes a $61 per year storm water fee for single- and two-family homes, plus a charge for businesses based on the area of asphalt on their property. The tax is in response to federal goverment demands to upgrade the town's storm water drainage system. A resident has threatened a law suit, which has prompted city officials to postpone a debate over the matter.

Although, officials mean well by upgrading the system and discouraging the building of more impervious surfaces, I think that some people see the tax as just another burden on them during these difficult economic times.

It would be wise for Reading to use this time to research more ways to upgrade the system that are cost effective and possibly look for a market-based solution to pay for it. I would also suggest looking into rain gardens. They are relatively cheap, efficient, and keep the water on site, thus reducing many costs associating with transport, treatment and storage.