What is a water control district?
It is an independent, special taxing district authorized by Chapter 298 of the Florida Statutes to construct, complete, operate, maintain, repair, and replace any and all works and improvements necessary to execute the district water control plan.
How does the district affect residents?
The district levies an assessment against property each year that represents a pro-rata share of the cost of executing the water control plan. Included in the assessment is a pro-rata share of the cost to administer and maintain the district. The assessment will appear on the property tax bill sent in November of each year. If you have a mortgage on your property and your taxes are escrowed, your assessments will be included in your monthly mortgage payment. In that case, your tax bill will go directly to your mortgage company and be paid from your escrow account.
What can a special taxing district finance?
Included in the financing may be any and all works and improvements necessary to execute the water control plan. Such items could include main and lateral ditches, canals, levees, dikes, dams, sluices, revetments, reservoirs, holding basins, floodways, pumping stations, siphons, or other works.
Who governs the water control district?
Water control districts are governed by a three-member board of supervisors who are elected by the landowners within the district on a one acre/one vote basis. Initial supervisors serve staggered terms, which shall be respectively 1, 2, and 3 years. Thereafter supervisors each serve three-year terms. As terms expire a new supervisor is elected by landowners within the district on a one acre/one vote basis.
Who manages the water control district?
The board of supervisors appoints a district manager who manages the affairs of the district.
What am I paying for in my annual assessment?
The annual assessment is comprised of two components: the administration and maintenance component and the debt service component. The administration and maintenance component pays for management services and any necessary on-going maintenance. The debt service component is the larger amount and goes towards paying of the bonds. If the district owes no debt, there will be no debt service assessment on the tax bill.