Winter Springs commission approves phased increase to Tuscala maintenance assessment after contentious hearing

The Winter Springs City Commission voted 3–2 on Sept. 9 to raise the maximum annual maintenance assessment cap for the Tuscala Lighting and Beautification District to $220 per equivalent residential unit (ERU) and to set the 2025–26 assessment at $160, a 25% increase over the current $128 cap and assessment structure.

The decision came after more than two hours of public testimony from residents, homeowners‑association leaders and real estate professionals both supporting and opposing a near‑100% immediate increase. Supporters said the fund is depleted after years of deferred maintenance and that the higher cap — and the planned, phased increases discussed by commissioners — are necessary to restore medians, monument signs and water features. "The proposed assessment is only to be levied on the Tuscala homeowners," Dr. Kurt Merki, president of the Tuscala Homeowners Association, said, calling the measure a "cost adjustment rather than even a tax increase."

Opponents urged more transparency, accountability and smaller annual steps. "This is about trust and accountability," resident Scott Richie said, calling for demonstrable results—such as fully repaired fountains and consistent landscaping—before larger increases. Several speakers pointed to inconsistencies among the NBS rate study, the advisory committee briefing and the draft budget and asked for clearer project priorities and timelines.

City staff, led by Finance Director Holly Queen, said the recommendation followed an NBS five‑year rate study and reflected large fixed costs such as insurance and contracts; Queen told the commission the study and required mailing cost approximately $18,000. She showed a 10‑year financial projection indicating a roughly $231,000 projected decrease in fund balance without action and said the full cap would provide cash flow to begin the advisory committee's proposed revitalization projects.

Commissioner debate centered on two questions: raise the cap now to avoid redoing the study and mailing next year, or set smaller increases to reduce immediate homeowner burden. Commissioner Paul Diaz proposed abolishing the compulsory district and replacing it with a voluntary beautification fund; Deputy Mayor Kade Resnick and other commissioners favored a compromise that would raise the ceiling but limit the first‑year increase. The ultimate motion set the cap at $220 and the 2025–26 assessment at $160, with an expressed intent to consider staged increases in future years.

The resolution passed with Deputy Mayor Kade Resnick, Commissioner Sarah Baker and Commissioner Victoria Bruce voting yes; Commissioners Mark Caruso and Paul Diaz voted no.

Next steps: staff will finalize the assessment roll and submit required documents to the Seminole County tax collector by the statutory deadline. The commission and advisory committee will also be expected to publish clearer project prioritization and regular reports on TLBD spending to address the transparency concerns voiced by residents.