Zephyrhills city council on Sept. 8 approved a scope of work and a piggyback agreement to begin implementing a dedicated stormwater utility and directed staff to pursue collection through the county property tax bill rather than the monthly utility bill.

Shane LeBlanc, the city’s public works director, introduced the item and said the stormwater program is currently funded from the general fund and competes with police, parks and other priorities. He said the proposed utility is intended to generate a stable, dedicated revenue stream for stormwater operations, maintenance and capital improvements.

Jennifer Tavantes, vice president of RAFTILIS (consultant), outlined the consultant scope: two parallel tracks to (1) document the city’s existing program and capital needs and (2) design a fee structure and billing mechanism. “From the start of this project, we’re gonna be working on two parallel tracks,” Tavantes told council, and she described deliverables including a financial plan, an ordinance, stakeholder engagement materials, TRIM-notice support if the city bills via property tax and a billing file for the selected mechanism. The consultant said the analysis could be substantially complete by April, with bills potentially going out later in the summer depending on the billing path chosen.

Council discussed billing options. Several members said a property-tax-based charge is more equitable because not all properties receive utility service, and one member warned a monthly utility-bill line item could generate immediate public outcry. The consultant confirmed billing via the county tax roll requires coordination with the property appraiser and tax collector and noted those offices charge a fee for collection; the exact percentage was not specified in the meeting (a council member estimated it could be around 6 percent). Councilors also asked whether a stormwater master plan or updated cost estimates were required before setting rates; the consultant said a focused needs analysis can run in parallel with rate-setting and that staff knowledge provides a strong starting point.

Council moved and seconded a resolution to approve the consultant agreement/piggyback arrangement to begin the work and to pursue collection via the county tax roll. The motion passed unanimously.

Next steps listed by staff and the consultant include compiling an inventory of current stormwater activities and costs, developing a rate model and ordinance, stakeholder outreach materials, and preparing the billing file for whichever mechanism is selected. Council directed staff to return with the ordinance and outreach materials before any final adoption.