Commissioners raise concerns about city surcharges, “taxation without representation” and rising costs for homeowners as sewer assessment measures move forward.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Leon County commissioners approved a series of annual sewer assessment resolutions Tuesday, but not before a lengthy debate over rising costs, city surcharges and whether county residents receiving city sewer service are getting a fair deal.
The discussion centered on several agenda items that authorize Leon County to collect sewer service charges and readiness-to-serve fees on behalf of the City of Tallahassee for neighborhoods connected to the city’s sewer system.
While each item ultimately passed, several commissioners criticized the long-standing arrangement between the city and county and questioned both the financial impact on residents and the structure of the agreement.
Proctor: ‘Taxation without representation’
Commissioner Bill Proctor argued that county residents living in areas served by city utilities are paying fees without having a voice in city government.
Discussing sewer assessments for the Bel Air/Annawood neighborhood, Proctor said many residents pay city sewer charges despite being unable to vote in Tallahassee municipal elections.
“They’re paying taxes … but the city is doing nothing to afford them the right to vote,” Proctor said, calling the arrangement “taxation without representation.” He urged county leaders to explore ways to give residents in the urban service area greater representation.
Chairman criticizes sewer agreement
Commission Chairman Christian Caban also voiced concerns about the county’s long-term agreement with the city, saying he remains opposed to the current financial structure.
Caban said Leon County has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in sewer infrastructure only for ownership to ultimately transfer to the city, which then imposes additional sewer surcharges on county residents.
“I just don’t believe the structure … of investing hundreds of millions of dollars over time and then giving that infrastructure away,” Caban said.
He noted that recent state legislation limiting municipal sewer surcharges on customers outside city limits would provide some relief but said broader concerns remain.
Concerns over double billing
The sharpest debate came during consideration of sewer charges for the Woodville Phase I project.
County staff told commissioners that some newly connected property owners would receive bills covering portions of both the current and previous fiscal years because of when connections became active. Depending on connection status, some homeowners could owe roughly $2,400 this year.
Caban questioned whether residents could instead spread those costs over multiple years.
“This is expensive,” he said. “We’re basically charging neighbors for two years in one year.”
County staff responded that Leon County is required under its interlocal agreement to collect the charges established by the City of Tallahassee and has no authority to restructure payment schedules.
County bound by agreement
Commissioners also asked what would happen if the board refused to approve one of the annual sewer assessment rolls.
County Attorney Anna V. Jones told commissioners the county would be in breach of its agreement with the city and would likely lose any resulting lawsuit.
She also confirmed the agreement has no expiration date and can only be changed if both governments agree to amend it.
Commissioner Rick Minor said he hopes future city leadership may be willing to revisit the agreement.
“I think after November there’ll be some sentiment change at City Hall and hopefully we can circle back to some of these items and come up with a deal that’s more favorable for all parties,” Minor said.
Votes split on several sewer items
Despite the criticism, commissioners approved each sewer assessment needed to continue billing residents and forwarding payments to the City of Tallahassee.
Votes on several items were divided:
Bel Air/Annawood sewer assessment: Approved 5-2, with Chairman Christian Caban and Commissioner Bill Proctor voting no.
Killearn Lakes Plantation sewer assessment: Approved 4-3 after debate over readiness-to-serve charges and the county’s contractual obligations.
Northeast Lake Munson sewer assessment: Approved 5-2.
Woodville Phase I sewer assessment: Approved 5-2 following discussion over residents paying charges covering two fiscal years.
Although the assessments passed, several commissioners signaled they expect broader discussions over the county’s relationship with the city’s sewer system to continue in the months ahead.