Title
A Resolution Of The City Commission Of The City Of Hollywood, Florida, Setting Forth The City’s Intent To Use The Uniform Method For The Levy And Collection Of A Non-Ad Valorem Special Assessment To Be Levied Upon Residential Real Properties Lying Within The Municipal Boundaries Of The City In Order To Fund The Provision Of Solid Waste Collection Services; Stating A Need For Such Levy; Providing That A Copy Of This Resolution Shall Be Forwarded To The Broward County Property Appraiser, Broward County Tax Collector, And The Florida Department Of Revenue.
Body
Staff Recommends: Approval of Resolution.
Explanation:
This resolution sets forth the City’s intent to use the Uniform Method authorized in Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, for collecting the assessment to fund the costs of providing solid waste collection services on and after January 1, 2021 of the Fiscal Year 2020/2021, and continuing thereafter until discontinued by the City, to residential properties (limited to single family homes, duplexes, and triplexes) located within the geographical boundaries of the City. This assessment will first appear on the Broward County tax statement mailed on or before November 1, 2020. In accordance with Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, public notice was provided in the Sun-Sentinel on January 21st, January 28th, February 4th, and February 11th.
Currently, fees for solid waste collection services are paid via monthly water bills (whether a utility customer of the City of Hollywood or Broward County). There are a number of benefits in shifting the fee from a customer’s water bill to their property tax bill. First and foremost, there is a process improvement by which the billing will now be handled by the County as opposed to the City. In doing so, this will eliminate the need for utilizing collection agencies to address missed payments. The improved and quicker receipt of funds via the tax bill will allow the City to have higher collection rates and the ability to earn interest. Although the property appraiser and tax collector do charge a nominal fee for their service, it is anticipated that the increase in collections and interest earning will more than offset any associated fee. Residents will see an increase to their tax bill as this will be included as a non-ad valorem special assessment, however, this increase will be offset by a decrease in their monthly water bill. This practice has already been adopted in 14 municipalities in Broward County, plus the County’s municipal service district.
Similar to the Fire Assessment and Fire Inspection Fee, the Solid Waste Collection Services Fee will be set in July for inclusion on the Fiscal Year 2021 tax bill.
Recommended for inclusion on the agenda by:
David E. Keller, Fiscal Services Special Projects Administrator
Adam Reichbach, Assistant City Manager for Finance & Administration