Boynton Beach approves multiple annexations after residents raise tax and sewer concerns

The Boynton Beach City Commission on Sept. 18 approved multiple first-reading ordinances to voluntarily annex the Bamboo Lane area (about 4.61 acres) and the Palmyra area (about 27.97 acres) into the city.

Staff presentation and analysis: Amanda Radagon, planning and development director, told commissioners that nearly all parcels in both areas already lie in the city's utility service area and most are connected to water and sewer. She presented a side-by-side millage and non-ad valorem assessment comparison showing that annexation would add the city operating millage (7.75 mills) but would eliminate three county debt obligations (county fire-rescue, library operating and library debt) and would move solid-waste billing from county to city rates (in staff examples the city's solid-waste charge was lower).

Residents object: Multiple residents from both neighborhoods urged the commission to pause or reconsider annexation. Concerns included: alleged coercion when earlier "voluntary" agreements were signed to secure water and sewer during development, the potential loss or change of zoning and homestead impacts, and the cost of converting septic systems to sewer. One Palmyra resident said they had been forced to sign annexation-type paperwork when utilities were installed and described ongoing sewer system problems on some streets.

Sewer and septic note: Staff said only one parcel in the Bamboo Lane area remained on septic and that utilities staff have been in contact with that property owner for several years; staff and the utilities director said they can bring sewer close to properties and work with owners on connection logistics, but privately owned septic-to-sewer conversion costs remain a local challenge.

Commission action: After public comment and staff response, the commission voted unanimously on the first readings for the Bamboo Lane and Palmyra annexation ordinance packages; the votes included related future land-use amendments and rezoning consistent with staff recommendations.

Quotes: "If you are outside of the city, you are currently paying a 25% surcharge for your water services. Once within the city, your utility service actually goes down 25%," Planning Director Amanda Radagon said. Resident Kathy Gross, who lives on Palmer Road, said the estimated connection cost to sewer she has received is roughly $35,000 and described the expense as "a big imposition."

Where it stands: The annexations advanced on first reading; staff will continue outreach to affected residents to clarify timelines, tax-bill transitions and any utility-connection assistance that may be feasible.