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Alachua County To Consider Storm Water Runoff Tax

Alachua County is considering implementing an annual storm water assessment fee for unincorporated areas of the county. If imposed, the tax will appear on homeowner's property tax bills in November.

Last week the county sent notice to over 30 thousand property owners that this addition to tax bills is in the works. They are looking to join other local governments that impose a similar tax, including the city of Gainesville. It would be used to build better drainage systems and provide for better water quality for the environment.

The yearly amount would vary depending on the size of the home: $30 for medium homes; $15 for small properties; $49.80 for large homes and  sometimes more. The county is expecting to collect over one million a year to replace the funding that now comes from local gas taxes.

Chris Bird, Alachua County Environmental Protection Department director, said it's important to have a dedicated funding source to build systems to improve water quality in county lakes and streams.

The county will hold informational meetings on May 25th and 30th and the public hearing on the proposed fee is set for the evening of June 13th.

Nicole is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.