Overview

The Stormwater Division is required by law to develop and maintain a comprehensive watershed and stormwater infrastructure system that, among other things, enhances water quality, protects property, and preserves the environment for the health and well-being of citizens, property, and the general public. In 2013, the City adopted a non-ad valorem assessment (Stormwater Management Service Assessment) to defray a portion of the annual operating and capital costs associated with the stormwater activities division of the Public Works Department. The City Commission's goal was to put in place a supplemental and alternative means to deal with the increasing costs of Stormwater management, through the adoption of assessment rates that could remain reasonable and flexible, and that might be changed efficiently, over time.

Assessments

The City may assess properties based on a two-tier rate structure for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017, with total assessments similar to what each eligible parcel paid last year. Tier 1 is a fixed rate per tax parcel focused on fixed costs. Tier 2 is a variable assessment based on each parcel's estimated contribution of runoff to the City's stormwater management system. This estimation is detailed in the chart on the reverse side of this Notice.

City Commission Public Hearing

On September 7, 2017 the City Commission held a public hearing for the purpose of receiving comments on the proposed Stormwater Management Service Assessments and to consider collection of the Stormwater Management Service Assessments by the tax collector pursuant to the tax bill collection method authorized by Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes.

Rates

The special assessments for each parcel of property are based on the same benefits or burdens analysis as last year. They are based on estimated contributions to the stormwater management challenges the City faces. The City will assess properties based on a two-tier rate structure. Tier 1 is a fixed assessment rate per tax parcel, and Tier 2 is based on the relative contributions of properties of varying sizes to stormwater management challenges. Revenue from the Stormwater Management Service Assessment may only be used to fund stormwater management activities.

Each parcel of property assigned an identification number by the Polk County Property Appraiser is considered 1 tax parcel. The rate of assessment for each tax parcel for Fiscal Year 2017-2018 will be the sum of (i) fifty-four dollars and twenty-four cents ($54.24) per tax parcel (Tier 1), plus (ii) a tiered variable rate based on the size of the tax parcel in acres, plus (iii) a collection cost of $5.

Revenue

The total revenue the City expects to collect by the assessment (exclusive of statutory discounts, and amounts payable to Property Appraiser and Tax Collector) is approximately $600,000.

Helpful Resources

For more information please contact the City Clerk at City Hall