BY MARK J. CRAWFORD
Telegraph Editor
STARKE — Bradford County commissioners are considering an increase in the solid waste special assessment for the first time in decades, and the public is being notified with a letter approved at the Aug. 17 meeting.
If approved, the increase would apply to the upcoming tax bill for Fiscal Year 2023-24.
The assessment is paid throughout Bradford County with the exception of the city of Starke, which has a contact for waste collection service paid for by city customers.
A vote is anticipated at a budget meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m. in the commission meeting room at the courthouse.
For residential waste from single and multifamily dwellings, churches, and civic organizations, the annual assessment would increase from $75 to $125. Other improved lots, including businesses, will continue to be charged based on the amount of waste generated. For less than 5 cubic yards, the $150 assessment would increase to $250, and the fees go up from there.
According to the county, the solid waste assessment was passed in 1987, and the amount of the assessment hasn’t changed in 36 years. The cost of providing the service, however, has increased.
In the letter, the county shares the proposed budget for solid waste next year — $2.16 million. New revenue is only at $1.16 million, leaving a deficit of more than $1 million. Carry over funds will cover a fraction of the deficit. The budget will be balanced with money out of the county’s reserves, and the same is true of all departments without adequate revenue sources, including public safety and transportation.
“If this continues without remedy, county residents are at risk of a decrease in services as more and more budget cuts are made to cover rising costs,” the letter states. “The commission has reduced costs across all departments while striving to maintain the services that Bradford County residents deserve and rely on, but it is not enough.”
During budget talks, commissioners have also discussed tapping other new revenue sources as well, including electric franchise fees, impact fees on new development and additional special assessments to pay for public safety.
