Indian Hills residents win approval for lakefront urban service district with $30 monthly fee

After a public hearing, the City Council approved formation of the Indian Hills Lakefront Property Owners Urban Service District No. 1 with amendments.

Stuart Bass, a local resident and organizer of the effort, told the council the proposed district includes 54 properties and 95 property owners and that petitioners obtained the required signatures (57 voters, 60%). He said notices were mailed to property owners and that the district would levy a $30 monthly fee that cannot be raised during a 10-year term without reauthorization. Bass described planned uses: dam repairs, annual removal of alligator grass from the lakes, liability insurance for fishing, and a reserve for potential dredging.

Council members handled two amendments before voting: adding a second set of filed petitions that had not been originally included, and correcting an exhibit to remove Lot 10 and add Lot 11 on Curry Court because Lot 10 was not lakefront property. After amendments passed, the council adopted the resolution as amended and approved the emergency clause.

Speakers clarified ownership and authority: the Indian Hills Community Club retains ownership of the lakes and would administer permits, fishing access and other operational activities; the USD provides the revenue mechanism for maintenance and projects. Stuart Bass and other residents requested a favorable vote to establish the district's funding and governance mechanism.

The council's approval allows the district to begin collecting the fee and provides a local funding source for lake maintenance and related liabilities; further implementation steps fall to the district organizers and city staff to certify petitions and records.