Chattanooga long has been an example of visionary municipal leadership. From the Walnut Street walking bridge to free electric shuttle buses downtown to fair tax rates and aggressive business development, the River City over the past 20 years has put its sunny side up.

But when it rains in the Tennessee Valley's heartland city, it pours -- literally and figuratively. A prime example is the controversy over the city's increase in water quality, or stormwater, fees.

In the face of public anger, and with different panels examining the fees, Chattanooga has became stuck in a quagmire. That's why I've started to wonder if the city doesn't need a fresh start on the issue.

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield is onto something when he talks about green solutions. Green infrastructure that keeps some collected rainwater within the city makes more sense than cleaning and redirecting all of it to the Tennessee River.

As it is, inadequate pipes are backing up during rainstorms and causing floods and water quality problems.

Yet pulling off an extensive green initiative in such a short period won't be easy. Nor will it be inexpensive.

However, it is not in the best interests of residents and business owners to require them to pay the highest water quality fees in the Southeast, with annual rates for individuals increasing from $35 to $115. Considering the uneven terrain in our area and the task of preventing floods, a slightly higher fee is understandable. But a threefold increase is not, particularly in light of so many years of uncollected fees.

The challenge for any city facing infrastructure needs in a tough economy is finding solutions that are fair to all involved. In this instance, that has proven difficult.

I can't help but think, however, that the mayor's proposal, which outlines a path that fits with the city's green ideals, might help disperse the storm clouds that have arisen over the issue of higher water quality fees.

E-mail David Magee at dmagee@timesfreepress.com.