Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dade City OKs $4.82 million FDOT promissory note for US‑98 bypass utility relocations; commissioners raise fiscal concerns
Summary
The commission approved a 15‑year, no‑interest promissory note with FDOT for $4,817,267.30 to repay city utility relocation costs for the US‑98 bypass. Commissioners acknowledged the work is complete, asked about budgeting, safeguards for payments, and preservation of landscaping and stormwater responsibilities; staff and finance said costs will be recorded to utility funds and the first payment is due Oct. 25, 2026.
Dade City authorized a 15‑year, no‑interest promissory note with the Florida Department of Transportation to repay an estimated $4,817,267.30 in city utility relocation costs associated with the US‑98 Bypass project. Staff said the relocation was required because city utilities were in DOT right‑of‑way and the final design and construction revealed additional unmapped utilities and a major trunk sewer repair that increased costs beyond original estimates.
City finance officer Altman told commissioners the costs have not yet been recorded in the city’s books but will be reflected in the audit and budgeted across the appropriate proprietary utility funds rather than the general fund. Altman and staff said the first payment under the promissory note is due Oct. 25, 2026, and FDOT is offering 15 years to repay with no interest. Commissioners pressed staff on the fiscal implications of committing to a long‑term repayment given ongoing state legislative uncertainty, requested safeguards to ensure multiple staff oversee payment processing, and asked whether any lien or penalty provisions could accelerate repayment if a payment is missed.
Commissioner comments also focused on securing landscape enhancements along the 301 and US‑98 corridors as DOT implements roadway changes; a commissioner said the city should press FDOT for a landscape plan to improve visual character. City staff said some costs (e.g., stormwater) are not part of the relocation obligation and that utilities and development impact fees will be considered in future rate studies to spread capital costs among customers.
After discussion the commission moved, seconded and approved the promissory note by roll call vote 5–0. Staff said they will book the costs in the audit, include payments in future budgets and continue coordination with DOT.
