Community Development District 3 supervisors are leaning toward a 15 percent increase in maintenance assessment rates for residents.
The increase, discussed at Friday morning’s board meeting and at a special budget workshop earlier in the week, would be reflected on homeowners’ tax bills
District Manager Janet Tutt said the annual increase would amount to $40 to $50 per year, depending on the home.
“It would be about $3 to $5 per month,” said CDD 3 Supervisor Gail Lazenby.
He pointed out the increase at his home will be $50.12, for the year.
CDD 3 is looking at a half-million-dollar upgrade to its irrigation system. The system in use now is old and it is difficult to obtain replacement parts.
“None of us like the idea of an increase, but this is a responsible budget,” Lazenby said.
He said the board has been careful about protecting its reserve funding.
“Without the increase, we would have wound up with no reserves,” he said.
The price of oil is rising and will likely increase the price of upcoming roadwork in villa units, Lazenby added.
Budget Director Barbara Kays warned that residents are frequently confused when they hear about a rate increase. They wrongly believe it will be an increase in their amenity fee.
The CDD 3 budget is scheduled for approval June 8.