by LISA MACNEIL
[email protected]
At the regular Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on September 22, 2020, the board passed an ordinance establishing a new method to collect public nuisance fines that goes into effect on October 1, 2020.
Such liens will be imposed through a non-ad-valorem assessment on a property owner’s tax bill in the following year.
At the regular meeting on September 22, 2020, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved a grant application for Septic to Sewer conversion. This first phase will convert septic systems to central sewer service in a specific area of Weeki Wachee called District A. Roughtly half of Distrtict A or 510 properties will be converted. The total estimated cost for the project is $16,500,000, divided into $3,300,000 each year over the course of 5 years. Utilities Director Gordon Onderdonk explained the request for grant funding through various methods.
By LISA MACNEIL
County Administrator Jeff Rogers gave his regular update regarding board directives at the Regular Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on September 8, 2020.
By JULIE B. MAGLIO
[email protected]
County Commissioners approved a millage rate reduction of .25 mills over last year’s millage rate during the first budget hearing on Sept. 9, 2020. Because of an increase in property values, this will result in an increase in property tax revenues for the county. The fiscal year 2021 tentative budget is $537,678,748 with 25.99% coming from the general fund.
Ahead of the next evening’s first public budget hearing, Budget Director Stephanie Russ delivered a presentation on Capital Improvement Projects completed in FY 2020 and those that are budgeted for FY 2021 on Sept. 8, 2020. She brought attention to several projects that are currently unfunded in FY 21 but remain a priority to the county such as the $14.5 million radio system overhaul for the Sheriff’s Office and the courthouse remodel.
by LISA MACNEIL
[email protected]
After a 3-2 vote by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) on August 25, 2020, Hernando Beach Seafood prevailed in a ruling that will allow the business to use fishing gear, bait and use crab traps on their vessels. Chairman Mitten and Vice Chairman Allocco voted no to interpret the use of fishing gear, bait and crab traps as permissible use of the property.
By LISA MACNEIL
[email protected]
Citing dramatic performance improvements on the part of Republic Services, the Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously to increase service rates for residential solid waste collection. The increases per agenda item documents are as follows:
a. Mandatory Areas (within MSBU) will increase to $13.55 per month. (0.28 increase per month)
b. Non-Mandatory Areas (outside MSBU) will increase to $13.78 per month. (0.29 increase per month)
The new rates take effect in 2021.
By LISA MACNEIL
[email protected]
At the regular Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting on July 28, 2020, the board unanimously approved a second phase of the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) funding for small business relief.
