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Board creates Bear Gully Lake MSBU; homeowners to pay estimated $335.63 annually for lake maintenance
Summary
Following a petition and public hearing, commissioners adopted an ordinance creating a Municipal Services Benefit Unit for Bear Gully Lake in District 1; the assessment area covers 101 waterfront parcels and staff estimates an annual assessment of about $335.63 per parcel to fund ongoing lake management services.
The Seminole County Board of County Commissioners adopted an ordinance establishing a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) for Bear Gully Lake (Commission District 1) to provide ongoing lake management services. The board approved the ordinance and the initial phase‑2 variable assessment roll after staff said 68.3% of petition responses supported formation—exceeding the 65% threshold required by statute.
Program and assessment details Tamika Morton, MSBU program manager, said the assessment area includes 101 waterfront parcels, each assigned one benefit unit. Staff recommended only phase‑2 (ongoing variable) services because residents had maintained the lake sufficiently to avoid immediate capital restoration. The MSBU program estimated a five‑year contracted cost projection that yields about $335.63 annually per parcel; the program’s administrative fee (7%) and other adjustments are included in that estimate and the annual amount will be levied on property tax bills. Morton warned the assessment could change if lake conditions deteriorate or if additional treatments are required.
Public input and board action One speaker, Dr. Harvey Barnett, expressed support for lake protection but urged the board to include stronger enforcement mechanisms in any lake management program. Another longtime lakeshore resident, David Syme, opposed the idea of chemical treatments and asked the board to consider alternatives and the lake’s hydrologic issues. Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance and initial assessment roll.
