Parkland reviews methodology for Ranches roadway special assessment; collection deferred to 2026

City of Parkland finance staff and outside consultants presented a proposed special-assessment methodology on March 12 to pay for roadway improvements in the Ranches subdivision, outlining project costs, how assessments would be apportioned by acreage and a timetable that would delay collection until 2026.

The Finance Director, Kelly Schwartz, told the commission that staff had been instructed during strategic planning to investigate assessing impacted homeowners. She said the city hired Governmental Management Services South Florida LLC (GMS) to develop the methodology and Neighbors, Giblin & Nickerson PA to provide legal guidance. "Conversations about the roads and the ranches have been discussed for quite some time now," Schwartz said.

The presentation and ensuing public comment focused on three questions: how much the work will cost, who will pay, and whether the city has the easements needed to complete the work.

Heather, a lawyer with Neighbors, Giblin & Nickerson (presenting remotely), explained the legal standard for special assessments under Florida law: the improvement must confer a "special benefit" on properties being charged and the assessment must be "fairly and reasonably apportioned." She said courts give local officials deference on those determinations provided the method is not arbitrary.

Rich Hans of GMS described the technical proposal, telling the commission the roadway…