A stormwater utility could be coming to New Hanover County, according to an announcement Tuesday.

Officials are looking into the utility for property owners in the unincorporated areas of the county, a news release stated, with stakeholder meetings planned for July 16. 

"A stormwater utility would help ensure the continued use and upkeep of the stormwater management system throughout the county and relieve property owners of the burden of maintaining and cleaning ditches and pipes within easements on their property," according to the release.

A new utility fee, which would be charged only to property owners in the unincorporated areas, would support the utility's services.

“A stormwater utility would allow the county to manage stormwater runoff to help reduce flooding and impacts to water quality,” said Jim Iannucci, county engineer, in the release. “It would create a flexible way to plan and pay for resilient water management practices, and allow New Hanover County to provide a higher level of service to our residents and businesses.”

Stakeholder meetings will take place July 16 at the New Hanover County Government Center, 230 Government Center Drive, in the Andre Mallet Training Center, at the following times:

• 9 a.m.: Large landholders and developers
• 11 a.m.: Non-profits and churches
• 2 p.m.: Commercial property owners
• 4 p.m.: General public

"Residents who live in the unincorporated area of the county are encouraged to attend the 4 p.m. meeting to get information that is tailored to residential properties, but all meetings will be open to the public," the release stated. "Registration is not required."

More community meetings will be scheduled in the future. If a stormwater utility fee is approved, according to the release, it would go into effect in July 2020.