Zephyrhills council adopts millage, budget and multiple ordinances; votes to fund community programs and infrastructure upgrades

Zephyrhills City Council on Sept. 23 approved a series of ordinances, resolutions and agreements affecting taxes, utilities, development and community programs.

Tax and budget: The council adopted Ordinance No. 1492-24 setting the millage at 6.25 mills for fiscal year 2024–25 and, in a separate vote, adopted the final FY2024–25 budget (Ordinance No. 1493-24). Staff read the rollback and technical calculations into the record before council closed the public hearings and approved both measures by voice vote.

Utility rates: Council approved amendments to the city code establishing a new schedule of potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water rates. Staff said the proposal includes a roughly 3% increase effective Oct. 1, 2024; the last increase was Oct. 1, 2021. The item was discussed, re-read for clarity on the ordinance heading, and ultimately approved on second reading.

Emergency declaration: Council approved adding an emergency item and enacted Resolution No. 829-24 declaring a local state of emergency for a projected tropical cyclone approaching Florida. Staff explained the declaration allows expedited procurement for emergency needs and positions the city to seek FEMA reimbursement for eligible activities.

Development and land-use: The council approved several land-use actions on second reading. Ordinance No. 1490-24 annexed approximately 12.92 acres (parcel ID 1826220010005004) into the city for anticipated use by Baduco. Ordinance No. 1491-24 amended the comprehensive plan/future land use map and rezoned the same acreage to City Light Industrial (LI). Council also approved the final plat for Zephyr Lakes (Abbot Park) Phase 3, which covers 71 lots in an 18-acre segment of the larger development; staff noted bonding, drainage, and reclaimed-water line installation are in process.

Agreements and infrastructure: Council approved Agreement 42-2423 with the Hidden River Homeowners Association under which the city will upgrade two private lift stations and assume ownership; the HOA will repay $150,000 of roughly $310,000 in conversion costs over up to 10 years. The council also approved the corresponding task order for approximately $310,958.26 to complete the conversion. Council approved an interlocal agreement (41-24-24) with Pasco County to manage joint transportation projects in the Upper Hills area, committing to hold 90% of new transportation impact fee revenue for qualifying joint projects.

Other measures: The council approved first reading of Ordinance No. 1494-24 to prohibit smoking and vaping in city parks (signage and education to precede enforcement). The consent agenda — 12 items including funding to begin hot spot traffic and turn-lane engineering — passed by voice vote.

Community grants: Council voted to provide $15,000 to the Sarah Vandenberg (SVB) Tennis Foundation to support after-school programs at Woodland, West and Stewart schools this fiscal year; staff said $4,500 is currently available in the youth sports grant line and other admin funds can be reallocated.

How the council voted: Most measures were adopted on voice vote with no public opposition recorded at the hearings; where ordinances were on second reading council members moved, seconded and approved them in the meeting.

What’s next: Items approved that require follow-up include implementing the new utility rates (effective Oct. 1 unless otherwise noted), executing the Hidden River agreements and task order, completing the reclaimed-water work associated with Zephyr Lakes, and continuing the WUP conversations with the water-management authority.