As extreme weather events grow more severe, local governments across the U.S. are scrambling to make their communities more resilient. However, this often means imposing controversial taxes and fees on residents to fund infrastructure work.
Such is the case in Zephyrhills, Florida, where property owners will soon see a new annual stormwater fee on their tax bills. The assessment is the first of its kind in the city's history, as officials work to address flooding concerns highlighted by Hurricane Milton, WFTS reported.
Here's what to know
Under the plan, single-family property owners will owe an additional $85 per year. The money will support regular stormwater maintenance and larger drainage projects. The city estimates the fee will bring in more than $1.6 million annually, per WFTS.
The charge will appear on November property tax bills in the non-ad valorem section. Businesses, apartments, condos, and other property types will be charged at different rates.
The fee marks a shift in how the city funds flood-control costs. The importance of flood-control measures became especially evident after Hurricane Milton.
In one of the hardest-hit areas, Zephyrhills resident Michelle DeLoreto pointed to a major flaw in the existing drainage system.
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"It's a closed retention pond, meaning it goes nowhere," DeLoreto said, per WFTS. "So when Milton came, there was nowhere for the water to go."
DeLoreto said the flooding came dangerously close to her home. "It came up to the side of our house and about 1 foot in front of our garage, and we couldn't even get in or out at that point," she said.
More background
After Milton, residents saw firsthand how quickly rising water can threaten homes and property. Still, as with any new government-imposed tax or fee, some segments of the community pushed back.
At a September public hearing, several residents raised affordability concerns.
"We can't afford it," one resident said. "We're both retired."
"I don't think it's right," said another, per WFTS. "I don't agree with it at all."
At the same time, some residents affected by Milton said the storm made the need for action much harder to ignore. Zephyrhills resident Alan Knight pointed to the city's work in his neighborhood as a sign that officials were taking the issue seriously, according to WFTS.
In flood-prone communities, stormwater systems are expensive to expand or retrofit, but failing to act can cost more in the long run, leaving residents dealing with damaged homes, blocked roads, and repeated disruptions after major storms.
Where can I learn more?
Zephyrhills' new fee comes as Florida residents already face higher insurance premiums and utility costs. These articles cover Hurricane Milton's wider impacts, storm charges on electric bills, and other fights over rising costs.
• Hurricane Milton left staggering losses for Florida agriculture, driving up pressure on local budgets.
• Florida Power & Light customers are getting an $80 million refund after 2024 storm overcharges.
• In Virginia, residents are fighting nearly 30% water bill increase plans from American Water.
• In Illinois, a mayor warned some pay 3 times more under a proposed water hike.
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