CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- You've heard the expression, 'Nothing in this world is free.' Well yes, even rain costs money and some Mecklenburg County homeowners may soon have to pay more in storm water fees.

"I think it's awful," said resident Virginia Belland. "People on fixed incomes can't keep paying and paying and paying."

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services wants to change the residential fee system. Currently, most residents pay $86 each year in storm water fees.

Under a proposal, Belland could end up paying more for the rainwater that runs off her property compared to what her next-door neighbor pays.

Using aerial photography, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services would measure Belland's driveway, covered parking, cement patio and the size of her rooftop.

"We are just changing the rate structure to make it more fair," said Dave Canaan, the county's storm water services director.

Instead of the same fee for all, Canaan wants to charge depending on the total size of hard surfaces on ones property. He's talking about impervious areas where rainwater cannot be absorbed by the ground.

"The county's budget for storm water will be the same next year as it is this year," said Canaan to refute the idea that the proposed change is a moneymaker for the county.

Canaan argues it's fair that people pay more if their property creates more water runoff.

"It's OK if I'm going to save money," said neighbor David Silden. "If I'm going to be on the lower end of it, I like the proposal."

Under the four-tier fee system, those with the least amount of impervious property would save $30 each year. But property owners who fall on the high end would see their storm water fee more than double to about $216 for the year.

Both county commissioners and Charlotte council members will vote on the proposal before approving the fiscal budget that starts this July.

To learn more about the tier structure, click here.