Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Stormwater Assessment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Zephyrhills council approves framework to use tax‑bill method for stormwater fee study
Summary
On Dec. 8 the city approved by voice vote a first reading of Resolution 864‑25, declaring the city's intent to use the uniform method under Florida law to levy and collect a potential stormwater utility non‑ad valorem assessment; no fee was set and further public hearings will follow once a consultant's study is complete.
City staff presented Resolution 864‑25, which declares Zephyrhills' intent to use Florida's uniform method for levying, collecting and enforcing non‑ad valorem assessments to support a potential stormwater utility fee beginning in the 2026 tax year. The council opened a public hearing and received no public comment before the vote.
Staff emphasized that the resolution does not set a fee. "There is not a fee set," a staff member told the council, explaining the resolution is the statutory first step that enables a consultant to complete a rate study and for the city to hold additional public hearings when a proposed fee and project list are ready. The city has contracted Raftelis to perform the assessment study; staff said a subsequent council action will propose any specific fee and the associated capital project list.
Council members asked about resident notification and whether the school board or other public entities would be assessed. Staff said state law typically exempts school boards from non‑ad valorem assessments of this kind, and that the assessment would appear on the property tax bill if adopted. Several councilors stressed the vote only authorized the process and did not obligate residents to a particular fee. Council passed the first reading by unanimous voice vote.
If staff and Raftelis return with a proposed fee, the council will be required to hold additional hearings and provide detailed notices before adopting any assessment.
