CLAY COUNTY, Fla. — Clay County Commissioners voted Tuesday night to approve a new stormwater fee for some property owners. The assessment fee will impact property owners in Middleburg and other rural parts of Clay County.
Residents spoke out against it for about five hours at Tuesday’s commission meeting.
The fee does not include properties in Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights, and Penny Farms.
A recent countywide survey found over $30 million in capital improvements are needed for the current stormwater system.
The stormwater fee is not a property tax; it’s an extra fee added to your property tax bill.
It’s based on how much space on your property can prevent water from being absorbed-- creating runoff; Things like roofs, driveways, and sidewalks.
For a single-family home, it could cost property owners an extra $51 to $161 a year.
“This is a scam!” one resident said.
Residents filled the boardroom and overflow room to oppose the fee.
Some people criticized the development in Clay County as one of the factors contributing to the stormwater issue.
Others say they don’t understand why rural properties would have to pay this fee if their water isn’t going to a county-owned ditch or pond.
The fee will go into effect on Oct. 1.
Read more about the assessment here: Stormwater Fee Frequently Asked Questions | Clay County, FL
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