On Thursday, city leaders heard concerns from residents about neighborhood flooding.
TAMPA, Fla. — Questions over how Tampa spends stormwater dollars delayed a key vote in city council on Thursday.
Tampa City Council members decided not to make a decision on approving the city’s stormwater service assessment. The assessment funds operation maintenance for the city’s stormwater system.
Several councilmembers had voiced that they would like to hear more about the assessment before the public hearing sessions began. But still, they heard from residents who say neighborhoods across the city continue to flood during periods of heavy rain.
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“I’ve seen the flooding firsthand. I mean, it’s bad,” said David Phillipsen, a Tampa resident.
Residents say flooding can trigger days of cleanup.
“We still got these puddles and puddles of water everywhere. I have a sinkhole right in my driveway that my car almost fell into. We really need a lot of help,” said Michelle Mastrototaro, a Tampa resident.
Local lawmakers are calling for a detailed breakdown of where stormwater assessment funds have gone in recent years.
“The amount of flooding that’s happening is completely unacceptable. And so, what I would rather do is continue this for a week or two and then have a hearing where the administration is able to tightly define how they plan on spending the money,” Tampa City Councilman Bill Carlson said.
On Thursday, city staff told the council that the assessment funds could only be used for stormwater operations and maintenance, but several councilmembers said they still want more detail about how those dollars are budgeted and spent before approving the assessment.
“I think Monday’s workshop of very clear budgeting and showing line for line what we’re going to spend this on would be would be beneficial to the concerns that people have,” said Tampa City Councilmember, Lynn Hurtak.
Councilmembers are expected to get more details about past stormwater assessments during Monday’s budget workshop, where city staff is asked to present a detailed breakdown of stormwater spending before the assessment comes back for a vote later this month.