Oakland Park adopts fire, solid-waste and stormwater assessments; stormwater rate rises $13

OAKLAND PARK, Fla. — The Oakland Park City Commission on Sept. 15 adopted final rates for three special assessments — fire rescue, residential solid waste and stormwater — and set the city on course to collect the fees during the fiscal year that begins Oct. 1, 2025.

Ria Rivera, the city’s director of financial services, told the commission it was asking the body to "conduct public hearings for each of our special assessment and adopt the final rates for the assessments, namely fire assessment, residential solid waste assessment, and the stormwater assessment." Rivera presented the recommended final rates and the estimated revenue each assessment would generate.

The commission approved the three resolutions unanimously after each assessment hearing drew no public speakers. The measures adopted a $382 annual fire assessment per residential unit, a $340 annual residential solid-waste assessment per residential unit and a $138 stormwater assessment per equivalent residential unit (ERU). Fire assessment revenue was estimated at $10,800,000; solid-waste revenue at $3,700,000; and the stormwater assessment at $5,680,000.

Why it matters: The assessments fund ongoing service delivery and stormwater infrastructure debt service. City staff said the stormwater increase — $13 per ERU, or about 10.4% over the current rate — is tied to a prior rate study and anticipated debt service costs related to the stormwater master plan. The commission also publicized an upcoming public hearing on the final millage rate and the fiscal 2025–26 budget on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall.

Details of each assessment

- Fire assessment: The commission adopted a final rate of $382 per residential unit, the rate presented as the preliminary rate approved in July. Rivera estimated the assessment would generate approximately $10,800,000. The finance presentation noted the city’s rate is below the county average (as presented during the meeting). The commission read and adopted a resolution "relating to provision of fire rescue services, facilities, and programs in the City Of Oakland Park" and reimposing the assessment for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, 2025.

- Residential solid-waste assessment: The commission adopted a final rate of $340 per residential unit, unchanged from the current year and from the preliminary July approval. Rivera estimated the assessment would generate about $3,700,000 and noted the city’s rate is less than the county average given in the presentation. The commission adopted a resolution reimposing solid-waste service assessments across the city’s incorporated boundaries.

- Stormwater assessment: The commission adopted a final rate of $138 per ERU. Rivera described the $13 increase (10.4%) as predicated on the results of a 2022 rate study and the debt-service costs associated with planned stormwater infrastructure improvements in the stormwater master plan. The presentation cited a county average of $125 (data available for 22 municipalities) and estimated $5,680,000 in revenue from the assessment.

Votes at a glance

- Fire assessment resolution: Motion to adopt; second (names not specified in the record). Roll call: Commissioner Newbold — Yes; Commissioner Badu — Yes; Vice Mayor Arndt — Yes; Commissioner Gordon — Yes; Mayor Lonergan — Yes. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Solid-waste assessment resolution: Motion to adopt annual rate resolution; second (names not specified). Roll call: Commissioner Newbold — Yes; Commissioner Badu/Budhu (record shows variant) — Yes; Vice Mayor Arndt — Yes; Commissioner Gordon — Yes; Mayor Lonergan — Yes. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

- Stormwater assessment resolution: Motion to adopt; second (names not specified). Roll call: Commissioner Newbold — Yes; Commissioner Badu/Budhu — Yes; Vice Mayor Arndt — Yes; Commissioner Gordon — Yes; Mayor Lonergan — Yes. Outcome: approved (unanimous).

Public comment and commission response

During public comment, resident Alan Pierre of 1950 NW 40 Court raised concerns about rising taxes and flood insurance costs. Pierre said, "my taxes goes up every year," told the commission he had served his country and described an increase in his flood insurance from $735 to $905 this year. He asked who was speaking for citizens facing rising housing costs.

Mayor Lonergan and other commissioners thanked Pierre for his service and asked staff to follow up. Commissioners noted the city lowered its millage rate this year and that only about 30% of a resident’s property tax bill goes to the city; other taxing entities — such as Broward County and the school board — make up the remainder. Vice Mayor Arndt explained how assessed value growth and exemptions can affect individual bills and encouraged Pierre to meet with finance staff and the property appraiser’s office. A commissioner also noted a discount on flood insurance the city is offering and said staff would provide details.

Next steps

The commission noted a separate public hearing and adoption scheduled for Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in City Hall on the city’s final millage rate, the final annual budget, the capital-improvement plan, the compensation plan, the fee schedule and fiscal policies. Staff said they would follow up with the resident who spoke and provide guidance on available exemptions and insurance resources.