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Pasco commissioners delay vote on dissolving Fox Ridge MSBU, call for study of remaining stormwater work
Summary
After residents and commissioners raised concerns that Fox Ridge projects remain unfinished, the Board of County Commissioners voted to continue consideration of an ordinance to dissolve the Fox Ridge Municipal Service Benefit Unit for 90 days and asked staff to inventory outstanding stormwater projects and funding needs.
Pasco County commissioners on April 30 voted to continue for 90 days consideration of an ordinance that would dissolve the Fox Ridge Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) and refund remaining assessments to property owners.
The board heard a presentation from Public Infrastructure staff explaining the MSBU covers 11.51 road miles, drainage conveyance and other improvements in an area created when the Pasco Heights Road & Bridge District ceased operations. Staff said an advisory board recommended dissolution and refunds after deciding not to pursue further stormwater projects; commissioners and staff urged a fuller review before final action.
Commissioners said the MSBU was created after a defunct road-and-bridge district left infrastructure unmet, and they recalled residents’ long-standing requests to fix stormwater and road problems. Public Works Director Jason Mickle told the board the advisory group concluded it did not want to proceed with additional stormwater phases because estimates exceeded the fund balance. Mickle said some routine pond maintenance and conveyance clearing remain as responsibilities even if the MSBU dissolves.
Multiple commissioners called for staff to inventory unfinished projects and produce cost estimates and funding options before dissolving the MSBU. Commissioner Michael Mariano urged seeking state matching funds to stretch the roughly $1 million currently in the MSBU fund and to bring residents back into the planning process. Vice Chair Jack Mariano said he did not want to dissolve the unit until the projects are complete.
Chairman Mike Starkey moved to continue the ordinance for 90 days to allow staff to return with a project list, a financial plan and outreach to state representatives; the motion carried on a voice vote. Public Works and County Administration will meet with residents and the MSBU advisory board and report to the board at the August 5 meeting in Dade City.
The board’s action keeps the MSBU in place while staff evaluates remaining conveyance, pond maintenance and paving projects and funding pathways. Commissioners emphasized they favored completing stormwater work rather than simply returning assessment funds if clear options to finish projects exist.
