On the agenda

1. 1Call to Order – Roll Call▶ 0:00
2. 2

   Pledge of Allegiance

   The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, followed by a moment of silence for servicemen and women.

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   [00:00:20] Thank you. [00:00:21] I'd like to ask you to all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:00:22] Remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home [00:00:23] and abroad. [00:00:25] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for [00:00:31] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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3. 3

   Moment of Silence

   Pledge of Allegiance and moment of silence in honor of servicemen and women.

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   [00:00:21] I'd like to ask you to all please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance. [00:00:22] Remain standing for a moment of silence in honor of our servicemen and women at home [00:00:23] and abroad. [00:00:25] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for [00:00:31] which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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4. 4.a

   Final Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-50: Adopting Final Millage Rate for FY2021

   approved

   Council held the final public hearing on Resolution 2020-50, adopting the final millage rate of 8.7500 mills for FY2021, the same rate as the prior year and 2.23% less than the rollback rate. The Finance Director presented the citywide budget totaling $75,626,900 with minor changes from the first hearing. The resolution passed unanimously, with Councilman Altman expressing a desire to resume planned 0.15-mill annual reductions next year.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2020-50

   • motion:Move to approve Resolution 2020-50 adopting the final millage rate of 8.7500 mills for FY2021. (passed)

   👤Altman👤Mayans#CRA#FY2021 Budget#Florida Statute 200.0652#Identity Theft and Fraud Grant#Penny for Pasco#Resolution 2020-50#Truth in Millage Notice#Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant

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   [00:00:41] Thank you. [00:00:42] You may be seated. [00:00:43] The first item of business is the final public hearing, Resolution 2020-50. [00:00:50] Statute 200.0652C1 prescribes that Council adopt the millage rate prior to adopting the [00:01:02] 2020-2021 budget. [00:01:05] A notification regarding the public hearing has been provided to every property owner [00:01:11] in the city by the Pasco County Property Appraiser's Office. [00:01:17] This notification, in the form of the Truth in Millage Notice, was mailed the week of [00:01:22] August 17. [00:01:24] Action requested is to adopt Resolution 2020-50. [00:01:31] The name of the taxing authority is the City of New Port Richey. [00:01:35] The tentative millage rate of 8.7500 mils is 2.23% less than the rollback rate of 8.9497 mils. [00:01:50] Total ad valorem revenues that will be generated are estimated to be $5,505,630. [00:02:03] That is approximately $355,000 more than what was generated in ad valorem in fiscal year 19-20 [00:02:15] due to an increase of property values. [00:02:18] The millage rate is 8.7500 and is the same rate as the prior year's millage. [00:02:27] Although the statute requires discussion regarding the percent increase over the rollback rate [00:02:34] and specific purposes for which ad valorem is being increased for the record, in our case, neither apply. [00:02:42] At this time, the City's Finance Director will make a short presentation. [00:02:48] After the close of the presentation, it is requested that the Mayor invite public comment of the millage. [00:02:55] Thank you. [00:02:56] Good evening. [00:02:58] The Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program before you comes with very few changes [00:03:05] from what was presented at the first public hearing on September 10th. [00:03:09] I will go over the significant changes as part of this presentation, but first we'll go over the total numbers. [00:03:17] The Citywide Budget totals $75,626,900. [00:03:24] You'll see that it's broken up by fund. [00:03:27] The General Fund totals $24,203,600. [00:03:33] Stormwater Utility, which is mostly funded by our non-ad valorem assessments, totals $1,122,500. [00:03:44] Our Street Lighting, which is also funded by non-ad valorem assessments, totals $456,880. [00:03:53] Our General Debt Service, which houses debt primarily for the CRA fund, totals $1,575,680. [00:04:08] The Capital Improvement Fund, which is funded by Penny for Pasco dollars, totals $8,103,290. [00:04:16] Our Water and Sewer Fund totals $23,760,630. [00:04:24] And this proposed budget includes approximately $6.4 million of bond proceeds that the City has already received to fund capital projects. [00:04:35] The Central Garage totals $758,520. [00:04:42] The CRA, which will be reviewed and adopted separately from what's being presented in the Council meeting, totals $12,565,740. [00:04:56] We've included it because we do present it as part of the City budget once adopted. [00:05:01] And finally, the Street Improvement Fund, which is primarily funded by local option gas tax and our paving assessment, totals $3,079,760. [00:05:16] This slide just presents those same numbers, but by percentage. [00:05:19] And you can see it provides just a visual of what funds make up most of that budget. [00:05:27] You'll see that the Water and Sewer Fund comes in at 37%, General Fund at 35%, 12% is our Capital Improvement Fund, 6% is the CRA, 4% is our Street Improvement Fund. [00:05:41] Those are the top five largest funds. [00:05:45] The proposed millage being presented tonight, or proposed tonight and included in the budget, will remain at 8.7500 mills. [00:05:56] That's what the staff is proposing. So no change from last year or what was presented at the first public hearing. [00:06:02] And our Capital Improvement Plan had no change either, so it still totals $23,717,000. [00:06:10] Although the General Fund's total dollar amount did not change from what was presented to you previously, we did have some minor changes that I thought were worth mentioning. [00:06:27] Originally, in the General Fund revenue, we included an Identity Theft and Fraud Grant for the Police Department, and we estimated $5,000. [00:06:38] But based on new information, we increased that estimate to $7,500. [00:06:43] And then also with another grant in the Police Department, the Victims of Crime Act Grant, which is also called the VOCA Grant. [00:06:53] Originally, we didn't plan on applying for that grant, but staff has decided to move forward, and so we're expecting to receive approximately $15,000 for that grant. [00:07:05] Equitable sharing, we decreased from $75,000 to $0.00 since that money was originally budgeted for. [00:07:15] We had included it in the first proposed budget to purchase the first installment, or to pay for the first installment of those body cameras. [00:07:23] But if you remember at our last City Council meeting, we actually approved that for this fiscal year, so I went ahead and removed those funds. [00:07:31] And then the next installment of those body cameras are to be paid for with Penny for Pasco, our Capital Improvement Fund. [00:07:40] So that transfer was increased as well. [00:07:46] On the expense side, technology solutions, we increased our rent software account by $20,000 just to cover some additional maintenance support. [00:07:57] And then we decreased the police patrol account, the special purpose equipment for those body cameras. [00:08:03] So the first installment was $75,000, which we're covering this fiscal year. [00:08:08] So the second installment, which is included in the budget being proposed tonight, is $20,000 less, so we reduced that amount. [00:08:16] And finally, in our Water and Sewer Fund, we increased that budget by $49,900 for additional anticipated maintenance and repairs in Division 111 and 112. [00:08:32] And that's all I have, so I will turn it over to the Mayor for public comment. [00:08:37] Do we have the reading of the ordinance, please? [00:08:40] Yes, thank you, Mr. Mayor. [00:08:41] This is Resolution Number 2020-50, a resolution of the City of New Port Richey of Pasco County, Florida, adopting the final levying of ad valorem taxes for all non-exempt real and personal property in New Port Richey, Pasco County, Florida, for fiscal year 10-1-2020 to 9-30-2021, providing for an effective date. [00:09:01] Thank you. [00:09:02] This is a public hearing. [00:09:03] Did we have any comments come in via email? [00:09:04] I did not receive anything, Mayor. [00:09:05] Do we have anyone in the public that wishes to address this issue? [00:09:06] Seeing no one come forward, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:09:07] Move for approval. [00:09:08] Second. [00:09:09] To the Mayor. [00:09:10] No, just, you know, we've been discussing this for several months. [00:09:11] Thank you so much to Ms. Mayans and our department heads and staff members that helped prepare this budget. [00:09:12] It's always a very challenging job, for sure, especially with the times we're in right now. [00:09:13] But I just wanted to say thank you. [00:09:14] Thank you. [00:09:15] Thank you. [00:09:16] Thank you. [00:09:17] Thank you. [00:09:18] Thank you. [00:09:19] Thank you. [00:09:20] Thank you. [00:09:21] Thank you. [00:09:22] Thank you. [00:09:23] Thank you. [00:09:24] Thank you. [00:09:25] Thank you. [00:09:26] Thank you. [00:09:27] Thank you. [00:09:58] Thank you. [00:09:59] Thank you. [00:10:00] I think that was a really great report. [00:10:01] It was probably the most time-consuming report that I've seen this year, and with budgets [00:10:02] of the state and everything. [00:10:03] It was definitely a tough one, I'm sure, for everyone. [00:10:04] And I'm looking forward to, you know, a good year next year and we can make a few changes. [00:10:11] Councilman Allman. [00:10:13] Can you remind me, what is the motion? [00:10:16] To accept the military. [00:10:19] Okay, so, as to the military, I referred back to a document that was provided to us by our [00:10:28] economist, I guess, on the CRA and the value of the CRA. [00:10:31] So I just, I would like to review something, because in that document we gave direction [00:10:37] to the city, and we've done it over the past years. [00:10:42] I understand the argument for leaving the millage rate the same, but we have been projecting [00:10:48] over the long run to attempt to go with a .15 millage rate drop every year. [00:10:54] So the chart that I have in front of me would have moved the millage from 8.75 to 8.6 million. [00:11:01] That same chart estimated that the tax base, the total taxable value was going to be, in [00:11:08] the city, $618 million. [00:11:13] The reality is that it's over $660 million this year, and really at the level that the [00:11:20] economist projected for the following fiscal year. [00:11:25] Our growth rate has gone up faster than we projected, but to keep in mind, the only taxes [00:11:35] that come into the general fund as we set this millage rate is the taxes on $366 million, [00:11:42] which is the base year. [00:11:46] Just to get the numbers out, a .15 mill, which is, a mill is a dollar per thousand, [00:11:53] so .15, or 15 cents on every thousand dollars, times our general fund, generates about $55,000. [00:12:07] So with the size of our budget, a $55,000 reduction in funds to the general fund is [00:12:20] not something that we would have difficulty accomplishing, and at the same time, the money [00:12:31] from the increase in the tax base all goes to the CRA, which we've discussed many times [00:12:35] before. [00:12:37] The CRA is one year ahead of its projections, as this motion is going to pass, assuredly. [00:12:43] The tax rate staying the same for property owner, the taxes will go up. [00:12:52] The rollback rate is calculated in part because the general fund doesn't get this tax, and [00:12:58] because we have new property that comes into the city. [00:13:00] So the reality is, we're still passing on a small increase in taxes to our residents, [00:13:07] and throughout this budget period, we've certainly commiserated the situation we're in, there's [00:13:11] no doubt. [00:13:14] And I want to join the collegial body, and I will vote for this because I know, Mr. Mayor, [00:13:20] your strong opinion on this, and I have heard from the others. [00:13:23] But I will say on the record now that we should strive to get back to this chart, and if that's [00:13:30] the case, we need to be looking at a .3 millage rate reduction next year. [00:13:36] We'll never get down to a low enough millage rate, and we need to do that to attract new [00:13:44] development and growth in the city, unless we really strive to drop that rate down. [00:13:50] I see where the city of New Port Richey is talking about increasing their rate this year. [00:13:54] We've always had a disparity, our rates are higher than theirs. [00:13:58] It's my wish that one day our rates would be, you know, comparable, even though we have [00:14:04] a library, which they don't, and we have a lot of other services which they do not provide [00:14:12] that the residents of our city and the county enjoy. [00:14:15] So in the spirit of the motion, I will vote for the motion, but I did want to make the [00:14:22] statement that a $55,000 reduction in our budget is not something that if we were forced [00:14:32] to do it, we couldn't. [00:14:35] But I also understand we're still in the pandemic and we don't know what's ahead. [00:14:37] So I'm going to go ahead with it, but it's my goal that we can get back onto the chart [00:14:42] that we set for our redevelopment division, or that agency. [00:14:49] And also just to express the good news that our property values have gone up substantially, [00:14:56] and so that's going to give us more chance to help to recover quicker. [00:15:00] So, thank you for letting me have the time. I will vote for the motion because, you know, I think you all have made a good argument for it, but be prepared next year. I'm going to try early to try to establish a goal to get back on that on that schedule. [00:15:18] Councilman Altman, if the economy has turned around by the time we get to that point, I'll be happy to help you. The pandemic has definitely put a monkey wrench in pretty much everything this year, but under the circumstances, I support the motion that has been made. Any further discussion? [00:15:39] I agree with you 100% on that. Next year, as long as everything is good, we need to double up on it and get it down for sure. [00:15:46] All right. If there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. Aye. Opposed, like sign. Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

5. 4.b

   Final Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-51: Adopting FY2020-2021 Operating Budget & Capital Improvement Program

   approved

   Council held the final public hearing on Resolution 2020-51 adopting the FY2020-2021 operating budget and capital improvement program. No public comments were received. The resolution passed unanimously by voice vote. The Mayor also flagged interest in revisiting capital plans, particularly a parking structure loan opportunity, after budget season.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2020-51

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2020-51 adopting the FY2020-2021 operating budget and capital improvement program. (passed)

   👤Mr. Altman👤Mr. Murphy👤Ms. Manns#FY2020-2021 Capital Improvement Program#FY2020-2021 Operating Budget#Resolution 2020-51#parking structure loan

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   [00:15:53] Next is the final public hearing on Resolution 2020-51. [00:15:58] This is Resolution 2020-51, a resolution of the City of New Port Richey of Pasco County, Florida, adopting the final operating budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 and the capital improvement program for fiscal year 2020-2021, providing for an effective date. [00:16:17] Do you have anything, Ms. Manns? [00:16:19] I'll just indicate, Mr. Mayor, that the operating budget supports the direction that was established by you in the draft of our most recent strategic plan and the proposed budget represents months of work between the City Council and the administration and we recommend that you consider approval of the operating budget and the capital improvement program this evening. [00:16:45] Thank you. This is a public hearing opened up for public comment. Seeing no one come forward, do we have any email or electronic? [00:16:56] I received no comments. [00:16:57] Okay. In that case, I'll bring it back to Council. [00:16:59] Move for approval. [00:17:00] Second. [00:17:01] To the maker. [00:17:02] Nothing. We've been talking about this for three months. [00:17:04] Second. [00:17:05] No further comments, thank you. [00:17:07] Mr. Murphy? [00:17:08] No, I'm good. [00:17:09] Mr. Altman? [00:17:10] No. [00:17:14] Not directly related to the budget, but we got a notice from the city manager of some very attractive loan terms on the parking structure. [00:17:33] And I know that particularly Mr. Altman has been very interested in seeing us try to do some stuff if we could do it on a fiscally prudent basis. [00:17:45] Once we're past all this budget stuff, I would love for us to look at that and see if there are some opportunities to get some of the capital plans that have been set back a little bit moved forward. [00:17:59] So thank you, Mr. Altman, for making that point some months ago as we were in these budget discussions. [00:18:08] There's any further discussion? [00:18:11] Somebody needs to dial for their cell phone. [00:18:19] The last time one went off, a whole bunch of us grabbed ours to mute them. [00:18:22] So if there's no further discussion, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:18:27] Aye. [00:18:28] Opposed? [00:18:29] Like sign. [00:18:30] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

6. 4.c

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-52: Approving Annual Assessment for Stormwater Management Services

   approved

   Council held a public hearing and adopted Resolution 2020-52, approving the FY 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment roll for stormwater management services at $80 per ERU (unchanged from prior year), expected to generate approximately $1,068,910. One citizen asked clarifying questions about how vacant property assessments are calculated.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2020-52

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2020-52 approving the FY 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment roll for stormwater management services. (passed)

   📍6807 Edgewater Drive🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Mr. Altman👤Mrs. Feist👤Ms. Manzini👤Robert👤Scott Miller#FY 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Resolution No. 2020-52#September 2001 ordinance establishing assessment#Stormwater utility fee ($80 per ERU)

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   [00:18:31] Next, public hearing resolution 2020-52. [00:18:34] This is resolution number 2020-52, a resolution of the City Council of Newport Ridgey, Florida, approving the fiscal year 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment role for stormwater management services, [00:18:47] directing certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County tax collector and providing an effective date. [00:18:52] Thank you. [00:18:53] Ms. Manzini? [00:18:54] The purpose of the agenda item is to generate revenue for the stormwater utility, and we're doing so on a non-ad valorem assessment basis. [00:19:04] Mrs. Feist, do you have anything else to add? [00:19:07] I can just add that in September 2001, the city adopted an ordinance to establish this assessment, [00:19:13] and we've been using the Pasco County tax collector to administer the billing and collection of these assessments since then, since 2001. [00:19:25] Property owners who have been added to the non-ad valorem assessment role were noticed by mail on August 26, 2020, of tonight's public hearing, [00:19:34] and there were five new additions to the tax roll, so five letters were mailed out. [00:19:40] The dollar amount of the stormwater utility fee has not changed from last year, so it's still set at $80 per ERU, [00:19:49] and we expect approximately $1,068,910 to be collected from this assessment. [00:19:59] Thank you. [00:20:00] This is a public hearing. [00:20:01] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:20:06] Please come down to the mic and give us your name and address for the record, please. [00:20:16] Hi. [00:20:17] My name is Scott Miller, 6807 Edgewater Drive. [00:20:20] I just have a quick question. [00:20:21] I'm a new property owner, and I received a letter for that. [00:20:25] So two questions, the first one being since I haven't improved the property yet, is that once this is adopted, [00:20:33] is that something that strictly property owners have that do not have an improvement on the property? [00:20:39] And the second question is will that be an assessment that's made every year? [00:20:44] It is typically an assessment made every year. [00:20:47] Ms. Feist, could you explain how that's calculated? [00:20:51] So the stormwater assessment is not based on the value of your property. [00:20:54] It's based on the building that's on it and the square footage of that building. [00:21:02] So when you said it's not improved, I don't know if you're referring to a vacant parcel. [00:21:06] Yes, it's a vacant right. [00:21:07] Right. [00:21:08] So once you establish a building or put a structure on that, then the rate will be recalculated based on the square footage of that. [00:21:14] Okay. [00:21:15] So prior to putting a structure on it, so there will be some sort of payment towards the stormwater and lighting and all that? [00:21:22] Usually with vacant properties, I can look at your property in particular, but it's usually around $15 or so. [00:21:31] There is still an assessment. [00:21:34] For vacant properties, there is still a calculation for parcels that don't have a structure. [00:21:42] It's a percentage of the $80 per ERU that's still assessed. [00:21:48] Okay. [00:21:49] And is that also for the street lighting and the sewer as well? [00:21:54] Yes. [00:21:55] Thank you. [00:21:56] You're welcome. [00:21:57] Thank you. [00:21:58] Online comments? [00:22:00] I received no comments. [00:22:01] In that case, we'll close public hearing and bring it back to council. [00:22:05] Move for approval. [00:22:06] Second. [00:22:07] To the maker. [00:22:08] I'm glad the price isn't going up. [00:22:09] To the second. [00:22:10] Nothing. [00:22:12] Mr. Altman. [00:22:14] I think I want to review that ERU calculation. [00:22:18] The ERU is a nomenclature for equivalent residential unit, and so I'm not sure the methodology is for commercial on square footage versus residential, [00:22:31] but I think it's probably worth a follow-up on how that's calculated. [00:22:37] I think a large house or a small house with a house on it is probably still going to get the $80 because it's a unit and the lot is allowing for it. [00:22:46] So I'm surprised to hear that it would be on the square footage of residential. [00:22:52] I'm thinking it may be commercial. [00:22:55] I'm thinking the same thing. [00:22:57] Okay. [00:22:58] For stormwater, I don't believe there's a separation between residential and commercial, and Robert may be able to answer that. [00:23:05] But I don't believe there's a separation. [00:23:06] Our paving assessment does differentiate between the two, but I don't believe stormwater does. [00:23:12] Deputy Mayor. [00:23:13] No comments. [00:23:14] Thank you. [00:23:15] There's no further discussion. [00:23:16] All those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:23:18] Aye. [00:23:19] Opposed? [00:23:20] Like sign. [00:23:21] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

7. 4.d

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-53: Approval of Annual Assessment for Street Lighting Services

   approved

   Council held a public hearing and approved Resolution 2020-53, adopting the FY 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street lighting services and directing certification to the Pasco County Tax Collector. No public comments were received.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2020-53

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2020-53 adopting the FY 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street lighting services. (passed)

   🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Drotman#Chapter 197 Florida Statutes#FY 2020-2021 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Resolution 2020-53#Street lighting assessment program (established September 2003)

   ▶ Jump to 23:22 in the video

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   [00:23:22] Next, public hearing on Resolution 2020-53. [00:23:26] This is Resolution number 2020-53, a resolution of the City Council of New Port Richey, Florida, [00:23:31] approving the fiscal year 2020-2021 non-advolarm assessment role for street lighting services, [00:23:38] directing certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County Tax Collector, and providing an effective date. [00:23:45] Under the provisions of Chapter 197 of Florida statutes, the City in September of 2003 established a street lighting assessment program, [00:23:56] and the ordinance serves as a means to recover costs incurred for street lighting, [00:24:03] and they are collected as non-advolarm assessments, and we're asking for your consideration of approval of the role for the next fiscal year. [00:24:16] Thank you. [00:24:17] This is a public hearing. [00:24:18] I'll open it up for public comment. [00:24:22] Do we have any online comments? [00:24:23] I see no comments. [00:24:25] Very good. [00:24:26] Seeing no one coming forward, I'll close public comment and bring it back to Council. [00:24:29] Move for approval. [00:24:32] I think the shopper may have had a second. [00:24:36] Okay. [00:24:37] He deferred to you on the motion to the maker. [00:24:39] I'm good, thanks. [00:24:40] To the second. [00:24:41] Nothing. [00:24:42] Deputy Mayor? [00:24:43] Comments, thank you. [00:24:44] Ms. Drotman? [00:24:45] In that case, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:24:48] Aye. [00:24:49] Opposed, like sign. [00:24:50] Can't hear each other because of these walls. [00:24:54] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

8. 4.e

   ↳You arrived here from a search for “Citizen Advisory Committee” — transcript expanded below

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-54: Approving Annual Assessment for Paving Services

   approved

   Council held a public hearing and adopted Resolution 2020-54, approving the FY 2020-21 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street and road paving services to fund the city's 20-year pavement management program through Pasco County. A resident asked clarifying questions about the assessment structure; council members praised the program's effectiveness and equity.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2020-54

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2020-54 approving the FY 2020-21 non-ad valorem assessment roll for street and road paving services. (passed)

   📍6807 Edgewater Drive📍Louisiana Avenue🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Allman👤Davis👤Mann👤Murphy👤Robert👤Scott Miller#Chapter 197 Florida Statutes#Citizen Advisory Committee#FY 2020-21 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Pavement Management Program#Resolution 2020-54

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   [00:24:55] Next, public hearing, Resolution 2020-54. [00:24:59] This is Resolution 2020-54, a resolution of the City Council of New Puerto Richie, Florida, [00:25:04] approving the fiscal year 2020-21 non-abdelorum assessment role for street and road paving services, [00:25:10] directing certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County Tax Collector, and providing an effective date. [00:25:17] In 2017, the City adopted an ordinance related to a pavement management program. [00:25:26] Under the provisions of Chapter 197 of Florida statutes, we are collecting, for purposes of the program, [00:25:35] through a non-abdelorum assessment process. [00:25:39] It was determined to be the most equitable means by which to fund the necessary paving improvements, [00:25:49] and the City worked with a citizen's advisory council who made a recommendation to the City Council. [00:25:56] When the program was adopted, we're recommending that you authorize the administration of the program [00:26:04] and the assessment through Pasco County for purposes of funding the program. [00:26:14] Thank you. [00:26:15] This is public hearing. [00:26:16] We'll open it up for public comment. [00:26:18] Do we have any online comments? [00:26:20] I receive no comments. [00:26:21] Anyone in the audience, please come on down. [00:26:24] Again, give us your name and address for the record, please. [00:26:29] I'm Scott Miller, 6807 Edgewater Drive. [00:26:32] I just had a quick question for my own knowledge, and forgive me for not being familiar with how the system works so really well, [00:26:39] but is there a reason why we have all these additional abdelorum things rather than being taken out of a tax budget? [00:26:49] I can address the pavement one we're talking about right now. [00:26:54] We used to pave the streets based on where you lived, and then your frontage, whether it was 100 feet, 200 feet, [00:27:03] or if you're on a corner, they wrapped around, they wrapped the whole corner, and then you paid a portion of it. [00:27:09] I think it was a third. [00:27:12] It varied between a third and a half. [00:27:14] Yeah, and what we thought that that was kind of a load on each individual for the property, [00:27:19] so what we decided to do was we took out a 20-year assessment of all the roads, [00:27:24] and we're going to pave so many each year, and then it brings it down to so everybody pays a portion of it [00:27:30] instead of just one, just instead of your street. [00:27:33] Okay, thank you for the explanation. [00:27:35] And also, at the end of the year, is there any monies left over to carry to the next year, or is it completely depleted? [00:27:40] We try to pave the roads. [00:27:43] I'll say this right now because in the seven years I've been up at council, you know, this whole line about tires aren't pretty? [00:27:51] Well, roads aren't pretty either, but I can't believe the reception that we got over straightening out the roads, [00:27:58] and the major roads especially, and then we're going to be working in the neighborhoods. [00:28:01] We usually hit one or two major roads. [00:28:03] Which one's coming up, Robert, do you know? [00:28:06] Offhand, I think Louisiana Avenue is one of them. [00:28:09] Yeah, and then we go into the neighborhoods and get the neighborhoods. [00:28:12] But, I mean, a program that I get more compliments on than any other program that we have for the dollar that they spend, [00:28:18] which is roughly, I think, $80. [00:28:21] Is that close for a residential? [00:28:24] Yeah, $85. [00:28:25] $85 for residential. [00:28:27] It's obviously too early to determine, but is it the intention that that program end one day or just continue? [00:28:34] No, because after 20 years we'll probably go back to the beginning and start again. [00:28:37] Okay, thank you for that explanation. [00:28:39] The other piece of this, and it was actually Mr. Davis's insistence as we were originally discussing it, [00:28:47] is that the money for the paving assessment goes to the paving. [00:28:51] 100%. [00:28:52] The overhead gets covered out of general revenue dollars, [00:28:57] and we make sure that that money that we're asking the residents to put up in a paving assessment actually winds up in asphalt. [00:29:08] Okay, I'm sure everyone appreciates that. [00:29:10] Is that the same for the lighting and sewer, that there's a 20-year or there's a window for those? [00:29:15] Those are ongoing. [00:29:17] The paving is the one that is a 20-year cycle just simply because of the life of the roads. [00:29:22] Okay, and prior to the program, where did the money, if I may ask, come for the street lighting? [00:29:27] Street lights have been street light assessment for as long as I can remember. [00:29:31] Okay, Mr. Mayor. [00:29:32] I appreciate it. [00:29:33] May I add to that? [00:29:35] Oh, I'm up. [00:29:36] My time is up? [00:29:37] No. [00:29:38] Jeez, quick tonight. [00:29:42] The ad valorem is for the value of a home. [00:29:44] So folks with a more expensive home are paying more taxes into the tax roll. [00:29:49] The methodology for non-ad valorem is for the benefit that is provided to each lot, to each property. [00:30:00] It seems an equitable way because we always did the paving assessments, as Councilman [00:30:05] Davis said, by special assessment, and we ended up dipping into our gas tax dollars. [00:30:11] So when we do a paving project, we get the residential portion from the paving assessment [00:30:18] that you're paying, and we get the money for the major thoroughfares from the gas tank [00:30:29] from the first and second set of gases. [00:30:33] The other piece on assessments in general that I think everybody probably needs to know [00:30:40] is that whereas the property taxes are assessed only to taxable property owners, the assessments [00:30:48] are also assessed to non-profits. [00:30:52] And there is a very large one about three blocks that way that's six or seven stories [00:30:57] high and has ambulances running in and out all the time, and they're tax-exempt. [00:31:02] So they don't pay anything in property taxes. [00:31:05] They do pay for the assessments. [00:31:07] Okay. [00:31:08] And when the program became established for all of these three, did the mill tax rate [00:31:13] drop down to compensate for not being in the taxes at that point? [00:31:18] It has been dropping. [00:31:19] And again, I can't speak for the first two. [00:31:21] I wouldn't say that was a major factor, but it was a factor. [00:31:25] Sometimes it went up, sometimes it's gone down. [00:31:29] So I can't say that that was the factor, but it was a factor. [00:31:33] Okay. [00:31:34] So when the street assessment... [00:31:35] Mr. Mayor, with all due respect, we've cut people off at three minutes in other meetings. [00:31:41] No offense, but we've gotten a lot of heat for it, so we can't make exceptions during [00:31:44] box-pulling. [00:31:45] We'll be happy to talk to you after the meeting. [00:31:49] Any further public comment? [00:31:51] Thank you. [00:31:52] Just, you know, repercussions will come down the road. [00:31:56] We'll hear it. [00:31:58] If there's no further public comment, bring it back to Council. [00:32:02] Move for approval. [00:32:03] Second. [00:32:04] To the maker. [00:32:05] As we were discussing, it's an extremely effective program that we have. [00:32:07] Ms. Mann's put a lot of effort and thought into it. [00:32:10] We had a Citizen Advisory Committee on board. [00:32:13] I mean, this isn't something we just passed overnight. [00:32:16] I'm very, very happy with the program and the results that we've seen. [00:32:19] And I think the community is as well. [00:32:21] Like we were saying when we were going back and forth during box-pulling, there were households [00:32:25] getting assessed $3,000, $4,000, $5,000 when they paved the road. [00:32:30] So I work in the insurance industry, and the concept of insurance obviously is to spread [00:32:33] the risk. [00:32:34] I guess that's kind of why I like this program so much. [00:32:36] Instead of spreading the risk, we're spreading the cost as equitable and fairly as we were [00:32:42] able to come up with the concept. [00:32:44] And I've just personally gotten rave reviews from it. [00:32:47] It's just been a really, really great program. [00:32:49] The second. [00:32:51] I already said what I was going to say. [00:32:53] Mr. Allman. [00:32:54] Just as it relates to the streets, as we've been talking about, the government accounting [00:33:01] standards require that all municipalities protect the assets that they have. [00:33:06] And our city streets are a major asset. [00:33:08] So we had really two choices, one which is to make sure that we do keep up with it, or [00:33:14] the second is to establish an ongoing maintenance program. [00:33:17] So the hope is that we can lower the cost of repairs by having our roads in tip-top [00:33:22] shape and improve our community. [00:33:24] And so far, it's working. [00:33:28] So that's the way that works. [00:33:32] Excellent point. [00:33:33] Mr. Murphy. [00:33:34] For me, yeah, the road paving, the program is so important to the city, and I mean, that's [00:33:41] what you hear people talk about. [00:33:43] You'll hear more people talk about the new road that went in than anything else. [00:33:48] So it does everything. [00:33:49] It helps our values. [00:33:50] And it's the infrastructure for me, and it's something you've got to keep up with all the [00:33:53] time. [00:33:54] And I'm sure everybody can relate. [00:33:55] You go somewhere and the roads are all beat up, and you're like, what's going on here, [00:33:59] you know? [00:34:00] And we don't want that in our city. [00:34:01] We want to make sure that it's covered. [00:34:02] One other comment. [00:34:03] Yes, sir. [00:34:04] Just one other comment, too. [00:34:05] When we had the assessments based on where the roads were next to the properties, you [00:34:09] know, we wouldn't get that money for over 10 years. [00:34:12] You know, it would be an assessment they could pay up to over 10 years, where now, when it's [00:34:16] $85, we're getting that money every year to go to the properties, or go to the roads. [00:34:22] Mr. Miller, I just want to explain. [00:34:24] I'm not trying to be short with you. [00:34:25] Welcome to our city. [00:34:26] I like your Captain Tony shirt, by the way. [00:34:28] It's one of my favorite places in the whole world. [00:34:31] It's just an awesome place. [00:34:33] But we've had some pretty heated discussions recently in meetings, and this is a special [00:34:37] meeting during a normal city council meeting. [00:34:40] We have something called Vox Pop, where if you have questions or issues on any subject [00:34:44] that you want to address council on, you get three minutes to come speak to us. [00:34:48] And then after Vox Pop, if we as a collective body decide to discuss those items afterwards, [00:34:52] then we speak. [00:34:53] And it's the same with public comment on an action item. [00:34:56] So I had, I didn't mean to be rude, but I had to cut you off because we literally had [00:35:00] to have someone removed by our police department just a week ago because he wouldn't adhere [00:35:04] to the rules. [00:35:05] So we have to just be fair with everybody. [00:35:07] So my apologies. [00:35:08] Thank you. [00:35:09] Thank you. [00:35:10] Any further discussion? [00:35:11] Hearing none, all those in favor, please signify by saying aye. [00:35:14] Aye. [00:35:15] Aye. [00:35:16] Opposed, like sign. [00:35:17] Motion passes.

   This text was generated automatically from the meeting video. It is not a verbatim or official record. For exact wording, consult the video or the city clerk.

9. 4.f

   Public Hearing - Resolution No. 2020-55: Approving Special Assessment for Code Enforcement Liens

   approved

   Council held a public hearing on Resolution 2020-55 approving the FY 2020-21 non-ad valorem assessment roll for municipal code enforcement liens (~$22,000 in unpaid fines), directing certification to the Pasco County tax collector. No public objections were received and a motion for approval was made and seconded.

   Ord. Resolution No. 2020-55

   • motion:Motion to approve Resolution 2020-55 approving the FY 2020-21 non-ad valorem assessment roll for municipal code enforcement liens. (passed)

   🏢Pasco County Tax Assessor🏢Pasco County Tax Collector👤Mr. Altman👤Ms. Vance#Chapter 197 Florida Statutes#FY 2020-21 non-ad valorem assessment roll#Resolution 2020-55#Uniform method of tax collection

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   [00:35:18] Next is resolution 2020-55. [00:35:22] This is resolution number 2020-55, a resolution of the City Council of New Port Richey, Florida [00:35:27] approving the fiscal year 2020-21 non-anvil arm assessment role for municipal liens, directing [00:35:33] certification of the assessment role to the Pasco County tax collector and providing an [00:35:37] effective date. [00:35:38] Ms. Vance. [00:35:39] Back in December of 19, we adopted a resolution which called for the use of the uniform method [00:35:48] of tax collection related to both code fines and code liens. [00:35:56] Since that time, we have entered into an agreement with both the tax assessor and the tax collector [00:36:04] to work with us on the administration of this program, which we are authorized under [00:36:13] Chapter 197 of Florida statutes to be able to implement for this purpose. [00:36:20] A listing was provided to you at your place this evening as a result of the fact that [00:36:28] the agenda item had an error and it represents about $22,000 worth of unpaid code fines. [00:36:40] At the point of preparing the list, everyone on the list has received four letters from [00:36:47] the city requesting that payment be made. [00:36:50] A good number of people chose to make payments in advance of it being placed on their tax [00:36:55] bills. [00:36:57] Those listed before you this evening are the ones that have not made payment and we [00:37:04] are asking that you authorize placing these items for code-related violations on the tax [00:37:14] bill, and we are asking that you take any objections and testimony by any interested [00:37:22] parties related to this item. [00:37:24] Thank you. [00:37:25] We have opened up for public comment. [00:37:26] Do we have any email, electronic comments? [00:37:30] I've received no objections and no emails. [00:37:32] We have anyone in the room tonight that wishes to make a comment? [00:37:37] Seeing no one come forward, we'll close public comment and bring it back to Council. [00:37:42] Move for approval. [00:37:43] Second. [00:37:44] To the maker? [00:37:45] It's a collection and let's do it. [00:37:47] It's a second. [00:37:49] Mr. Altman?

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10. 5Communications▶ 37:50
11. 6Adjournment▶ 43:52