The Town Council of Indian River Shores voted unanimously to approve Ordinance 5-81, authorizing a non ad valorem capital special assessment to let property owners amortize required septic-to-sewer connection costs over up to 10 years. Town Manager Harpring told the council the state law adopted in 2023 requires commercial and residential properties with existing septic systems to connect to sanitary sewer “when available, by, 2030. It's 07/01/2030.”

The ordinance authorizes the town to put the assessment on the tax bill so owners in the initial project areas — Beachcomber Lane and Pebble Lane — can choose a one-time lump-sum payment or a 10-year installment option. Harpring said the town is finalizing details on the installment interest rate and that it “will probably be, 6.3 something percent,” noting that early payers may receive an effective lower rate because of an early-payment discount arrangement with the city.

Town Attorney Sweeney read the ordinance title into the record as a first reading. Councilman Carroll moved approval; the vice mayor seconded. In a roll call vote Mayor Foley, Vice Mayor Atwater, Councilman Carroll and Council member Dane voted aye; the motion passed unanimously.

Why this matters: the ordinance is the procedural step required to place a special assessment on the property tax roll and to allow the property appraiser and tax collector to collect installments. Harpring said an interlocal agreement with the city to install sewer work will come to council at its next meeting and that a follow-up resolution will identify statutory steps the town must take.

Discussion vs. action: the council took formal action to adopt the ordinance at first reading (vote recorded). Council and staff also discussed payment mechanics, including an early-payment discount and the ability for owners to pay off balances by Aug. 1 in any year to be removed from the following year's rolls. Staff said additional details, including the interlocal agreement with the city and a resolution identifying statutory requirements, will return to the council for later meetings.

Implementation notes: staff said the first project areas are Beachcomber and Pebble Lane. Property owners will be offered either immediate lump-sum payment or 10-year amortization on the tax bill; exact rates and administrative details will be finalized in subsequent documents.