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Marion County continues Salt Springs water and Bellevue Heights hearings after residents raise concerns
Summary
The board continued public hearings on Bellevue Heights to June 16 and Salt Springs water plant to Oct. 20 after public commenters raised notice, siting and technical concerns about well configurations and potential impacts on parkland and lake levels.
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners voted to continue two separate public hearings after residents raised procedural and technical concerns.
Bellevue Heights Estates: staff asked the board to continue a planning hearing and broaden outreach after a resident said she did not receive notice. Chad Wicker, municipal services director, told the board a community meeting on May 11 had no attendees and that staff wanted more time to contact affected property owners. The board unanimously continued the Bellevue Heights hearing to June 16 at 10 a.m.
Salt Springs water plant: the board also continued a quasi‑judicial hearing on a proposed water plant upgrade and possible relocation into parkland to Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Applicant David Tillman of Tillman Associates said utilities staff wanted more time to explore purchasing the existing plant site and other options. Several nearby residents spoke: one expressed support for buying the existing plant site and opposed siting utility equipment in the park, and warned a proposed upgrade from a 10‑inch to a 12‑inch pump could increase draw on the aquifer.
“I'm glad that they're looking into buying the property,” said Paul Fringe, a Salt Springs resident, adding he was concerned a larger pump might draw more water and affect lake levels. County staff said the equipment is old and that a short extension to investigate options was reasonable; the board unanimously approved the continuance so staff can pursue additional information and outreach.
Next steps: staff will pursue additional outreach and report back to the board at the continued hearings. Any proposed equipment sizing or location changes will be considered in the public, quasi‑judicial hearing process.
