The Marion County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on March 5, 2025, to discuss an ordinance aimed at amending Chapter 16 of the Marion County Code concerning the solid waste residential assessment. The proposed changes would significantly increase the annual solid waste assessment from $87 to $215 per property, with a cap set at $225.

During the meeting, officials outlined the financial implications of the proposed assessment increase. The adjustment is intended to address a structural imbalance between the county's revenues and expenses, particularly in light of recent storm cleanup costs. The county has faced substantial expenses in the past, including approximately $26 million for storm cleanup following Hurricane Irma in 2017-2018.

The proposed ordinance offers two options for implementing the new rate: a one-time increase to $215 or a phased approach that would gradually raise the rate over three years. The one-time increase would allow the county to build unrestricted reserves more quickly, potentially generating around $16.6 million in fiscal year 2026. In contrast, the phased approach would yield approximately $8.6 million in the same year.

Commissioners discussed the importance of clearly communicating to residents how the increased assessment would be allocated, particularly in relation to storm-related expenses versus landfill operations. The meeting highlighted the need for financial adjustments to ensure the county can effectively manage future storm-related costs and maintain solid waste services.

As the board moves forward with the proposed changes, the community will be informed about the implications of the new assessment rate and how it will support the county's financial stability and infrastructure needs.