Hammer seeks doubling of storm drain fee to replace concrete river panel

COLFAX – City of Colfax Public Works Director Matt Hammer has proposed changing the city’s monthly storm drain fee from $2.30 to $5 to pay for the replacement of a 10X15, 8-inch thick concrete slab at the river by Jennings Elementary School.

The estimated $30,000 section is the first of what Hammer expects to be more cracking in the river channel. The city last replaced one of the sections in 1985, after the 1964 original encasing of the river.

“There’s already more (cracks) that are starting to pop up,” Hammer said. “But it’s held up really well.”

The increase in storm drain fees -- if approved by the city council -- would also fund other matters in the river channel such as sealing off joint material and using shotcrete on a 50-foot stretch of the basalt wall behind the public library, to help counter erosion. Shotcrete is concrete sprayed from a thick hose, when it cannot easily be poured. “There’s still a lot of repairs to be done in the channel,” Hammer said.

As for replacing the concrete section by Jennings Elementary, the project may not happen for another two years.

“As soon as we have the funds,” said Hammer.

The city council will consider the matter as part of process to approve a 2021 city budget.