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Harbor Heights residents urge delay of steep dredging assessment; commissioners pause increase
Summary
Harbor Heights homeowners opposed a proposed jump in the waterway MSBU to fund a $1.39 million spot‑dredge project, citing poor outreach and uncertain scope; commissioners voted to keep the current $300 rate and schedule additional workshops and outreach.
Residents of Harbor Heights testified at length July 16 against a proposed spot‑dredging assessment that would have raised the annual waterway MSBU from about $300 to $775 per ERU to fund a 5‑year loan for an estimated $1,392,000 project.
Public Works staff presented engineering and cost estimates: an estimated 6,601 cubic yards of material to be removed, engineering $100,000 and dredging $1,292,000. Staff noted a FEMA claim of about $460,000 had been submitted but was not guaranteed. The Harbor Heights advisory board recommended the 5‑year loan and the higher assessment.
Residents said they received minimal notice and insufficient project detail. “The notice just showed up saying my taxes were going up $475 per year — for what?” one speaker asked. Multiple declarants described fixed incomes, the absence of visible dredging in many canals during prior years, and asked for maps, contractor cost estimates and clarity on which canals would be dredged. Several suggested targeted dredging of problem locations or further analysis and said they wanted the advisory board to engage the community before any large assessment.
Commissioners and staff reviewed the balance in the Harbor Heights fund (FY24 ending balance cited at $495,000, FY25 projected balance ~$544,000) and the bathymetric data used to identify problem reaches. Staff said if bids or FEMA reimbursements reduce project costs they would adjust assessments downward.
After extended public comment, Commissioner Doherty moved to hold the Harbor Heights assessment at the current $300 per ERU and pursue workshops and additional outreach; the motion passed unanimously. The board instructed staff to provide more detailed maps, cost breakdowns and to coordinate with the advisory committee and the sheriff on enforcement of illegal dumping raised by residents.
Next steps: staff will post detailed project maps and budgets, hold workshops with the advisory board and neighborhood, and return to the board if new financial or FEMA information warrants a revised assessment.
