As part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the town takes measures to keep the riverbeds and drinking water clean.

But the creation of a stormwater utility would mean a fee for Knightdale property owners.

"The reason why we need a fee is because the permit is an unfunded mandate," town engineer Fred Boone said.

"We haven't been able to meet our responsibilities because we're on a shoestring budget."

The town currently dips into its general fund as needed for stormwater projects.

Boone estimates that a $354,000 annual budget would be needed to fulfill the town's stormwater responsibilities.

That would likely mean a $24 baseline as an annual payment per household.

"But it could be higher for some homes depending on the square-footage," Boone said.

An estimated fee for commercial properties isn't available yet, he added.

The actual fees would not be determined at the public hearing, but at a budget hearing in the spring if the stormwater utility is approved.

If the utility is approved, Knightdale would like to start street sweeping.

The town also would like to add a storm-water mapping system to gain a full inventory of storm-water features within town limits, Boone said.

Knightdale doesn't build storm-water facilities, they are introduced with each new development.

"We are growing more concerned with the volume of water and the quality of what is discharged into the streams," Boone said.

Monday's town council meeting starts at 7 p.m. at town hall.