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Citrus County moves ahead with Citrus Springs 2025 waterline assessment, owners given payment options
Summary
The board certified the Citrus Springs 2025 waterline extension assessment affecting 479 parcels and valued at roughly $1.7 million; property owners may pay a one-time share or finance it through their taxes over 10 years.
At a public hearing July 29, Citrus County commissioners accepted the 2025 Citrus Springs waterline extension assessment, which covers waterlines completed through June 30 and affects properties reached by extensions required under a longstanding agreement known locally as the Topeka agreement. Bernadine Flood Nichols, presenting for the county's utilities staff, said the assessment impacts 479 assessment units and carries a rounded project construction cost of about $1.7 million. "Owners have two different options," Nichols said: either pay their equal share up front (about $3,732) or have the assessment rolled into the property tax bill and paid over 10 years; if rolled into taxes with administrative fees and interest, the total per parcel would be about $6,024. Commissioners asked staff to describe the underlying Topeka agreement. County staff explained that the Topeka agreement (a historic contract related to Citrus Springs infrastructure) obliges the county to extend water lines on request within 2,500 linear feet of an existing line; the county's bond covenants then require property owners along new lines to connect within one year once service is available, consistent with Florida statute. After the county opened public comment and none spoke, Commissioner Jana Barrick moved to accept the assessment items (A, B and C) for the public hearing, a motion the board passed 5-0. What owners should know: If an owner pays up front during the 30-day notice window, they will be assessed the equal share amount. If they choose the 10-year tax-roll option the annual installments include interest and administrative fees; county staff said the long-term total is higher because of those charges. The board also confirmed that a separate utility-availability fee later addresses non-connected lots once the infrastructure is established. Staff said the county will mail notices to affected property owners outlining the payment deadlines and financing option.
