During the Aug. 21, 2024, Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting:
The Board presented a commendation to the University of Tampa Spartans for winning the 2024 NCAA Division II Baseball Championship. This marks the school’s ninth national title in baseball, equaling the most in Division II history.
Commissioners also recognized University of Tampa baseball coach Joe Urso on his decades- long career and selection as the 2024 National Coach of the Year for NCAA Division II.
Commissioners approved a conservation easement for over 935.50 acres of protected lands within the Lower Green Swamp Preserve. The acquisition will protect natural habitat along Blackwater Creek, thus protecting water quality in downstream areas of the Hillsborough River and, ultimately, Tampa Bay.
The Board adopted a resolution establishing the Stormwater Management Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rates for calendar year 2024. The rates remain unchanged from 2023 and will result in annual revenues from the County's Stormwater Assessment of $37.3 million.
Commissioners conducted a public hearing and adopted the Solid Waste Rate resolution. A majority of commissioners voted for an annual increase of $40.39 for single-family residential customers who receive both solid waste collection and disposal services.
The increase will fund contractual operations, construction of a new landfill cell, and fund capital needs for safety and regulatory compliance.
The Board voted to increase the County’s senior and hardship program discounts by $8 to reflect the rate increases.
Residents can apply for the hardship programs until Oct. 1, when the new rates will go into effect.
A majority of commissioners voted to adopt a resolution to authorize a Property Assessed Clean Energy or (PACE) program in Hillsborough County.
The Florida Legislature recently passed a bill to amend and expand the types of qualifying improvements, add new consumer protections, and enact new PACE contractor oversight and accountability provisions.
To address certain consumer protection concerns, the act requires program administrators to make various determinations prior to approving financing agreements with property owners.
The Board directed County staff to work with the Tax Collector, County Clerk, and Property Appraiser to implement interlocal agreements for PACE to be brought back to the Board for final approval along with establishing an educational program about PACE for senior residents.
The next BOCC regular meeting is at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. You can watch the meeting live on YouTube on the Hillsborough County Meetings channel.
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