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County staff proposes planned sanitation and fire rate increases; some waterway dredging increases under maxima
Summary
Fiscal staff outlined proposed sanitation and fire MSBU increases already included in the FY26 plan (sanitation indexed ~4%; fire unit continuing a staged plan with 6% recommended for next year). Alligator Creek dredging was presented as a below‑max increase pending details on dredge frequency.
Charlotte County fiscal staff presented proposed MSBU rate increases May 20 that remain below established maximums and therefore do not require public hearings, while noting the increases are included in the county’s FY26 budget plan.
Rick Arthur said the sanitation contract carries an indexed increase and staff built a 4% headroom into FY26; if the contractor’s final number comes in lower, staff will return to the board. For public safety, Arthur reviewed the multi‑year Charlotte County Fire Unit rate plan adopted in 2024 (15% in 2024, 12% in 2025, then 6% annually) and recommended maintaining the 6% increase next year to cover infrastructure, staffing and equipment needs. Arthur said the plan established a FY31 maximum and that staff will continue to present the unit’s plan annually at MSBU workshops.
On waterways, Public Works Director John Elias said the Alligator Creek advisory board requested an increase for dredging to $78 from the current $25 (max $100). Elias did not have at hand whether the increase represented a full dredge or spot dredging and said staff would provide the details. Commissioners asked how long the increased assessment would remain (dredge useful-life amortization); staff said scenarios range and indicated dredges commonly drop off after about 5–7 years, though Elias also referenced a 20‑year useful life in a separate example and promised a precise schedule.
Next steps: staff will ask the board May 27 to authorize mailing notices for these changes and include the adjustments in August TRIM notices as applicable. Staff pledged to supply amortization scenarios and contractor-index details if needed.
