Wakulla County's September 15, 2025 BOCC Meeting: Your Guide to Items 2-6 – Fees, Fires, Trash, and Broadband Explained

Hey Wakulla County folks! If you're like most of us, county meetings can feel like wading through a swamp of jargon and fine print. But these decisions hit our wallets directly – think extra lines on your property tax bill for essential services. On Monday, September 15, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is holding public hearings for Items 2-6 at the Commission Chambers (1500 Crawfordville Hwy, Crawfordville). This is your chance to chime in before they lock in these "assessments" – non-ad valorem fees (not tied to your home's value) that fund specific things like firefighters, garbage pickup, and high-speed internet in a few neighborhoods.

These items are tied to the bigger $234 million FY 2025-2026 budget we talked about earlier, generating about $8 million in revenue to keep services humming. Notices went out by August 22 via TRIM forms, and ads ran in The Wakulla Sun on August 14. The Board can cut rates during the hearing but not hike them. We've got the details below, including whether rates are up from last year (spoiler: mostly steady, with one small bump). Plus, we'll weave in insights from the latest budget spreadsheets – showing tweaks like wage adjustments and grant forwards that support these services. No more surprises; let's break it down so you can decide if it's worth showing up.

Item 2: Locking in the Fire Protection Assessment

This one's about setting the final fee to fund Wakulla County Fire Rescue – think trucks, gear, and quick responses to emergencies. It's been a staple for years, and unpaid fees become a lien on your property, right up there with taxes.

Did It Increase? Nope. The residential rate stays at $248 per dwelling, same as last year (FY 2024-2025).

Non-residential varies by square footage (e.g., $0.20/sq ft for commercial). Revenue's ticking up a bit from more properties, not a rate change.

How It Ties to the Budget: This pulls in about $4.6 million gross for operations. Looking at the budget spreadsheets, fire-related tweaks include early wage/benefit boosts (+$285,000 from July to August) and later insurance savings (+$50,000 cash forward to balance).

Bottom Line for Us: A flat $248 on most homes' November tax bills keeps our first responders ready. But if past grant slip-ups (like that $6 million sewer fiasco) repeat, this fund might feel the pinch. If you think it's too high, speak at the hearing!

Item 3: Setting the Solid Waste Assessment

Here, they're finalizing the per-home fee for trash collection (via Waste Pro) and landfill maintenance. It's been around since 2011, charged per dwelling unit.Did It Increase? Yes, by $10. Last year's rate was $204 per unit (FY 2024-2025).

This year jumps to $214 – about a 5% rise, probably covering higher fuel or labor costs.

How It Ties to the Budget: Brings in ~$3.3 million gross. The spreadsheets show minor utility dips (-$50,000 expenses from August to September) but no major shifts – it's balanced overall.

Bottom Line for Us: That extra $10 a year isn't breaking the bank, but it adds up for families. Own a vacant property? Check the Vacancy Adjustment Program for refunds. If the hike bugs you, hit the hearing to ask why.

Item 4: Elm Ridge Broadband Assessment Renewal

This voluntary fee (petitioned by the neighborhood) repays the county for installing high-speed internet. It's year 4 of a 5-year plan to cover the original $110,000 cost.

Did It Increase? No change – still $905.32 per lot, fixed since 2022.

How It Ties to the Budget: Reimburses ~$22,000 yearly. Spreadsheets highlight related infrastructure forwards (+$92,000 in grant revenue from July completions), keeping things on track without extras.

Bottom Line for Us: Only affects ~122 lots in Elm Ridge – a lien until paid (prepay if you want). Great for better connectivity, but remember past audit issues with tracking; make sure it's handled right.

Item 5: Sweetwater Ridge Broadband Assessment Renewal

Similar setup: Voluntary repayment for broadband in this area, covering the initial $26,000 over 5 years. This is the final year!

Did It Increase? Steady at $113.79 per lot since 2021.

How It Ties to the Budget: Pulls in ~$5,000 yearly. Budget sheets show small grant tweaks nearby (+$50,000 for infrastructure), but nothing direct – it's winding down smoothly.

Bottom Line for Us: Hits ~236 lots in Sweetwater Ridge. Last payment means liens lift soon – a win for those folks. If you've got questions on fairness, the hearing's your spot.

Item 6: The Park Broadband Assessment Renewal

Rounding out the broadband trio: Repaying $113,000 for internet upgrades, year 4 of 5.

Did It Increase? No – $187.70 per lot, unchanged.

How It Ties to the Budget: ~$23,000 yearly reimbursement. Spreadsheets note similar grant updates (+$146,000 forwards in related areas), supporting ongoing projects.

Bottom Line for Us: Affects ~605 lots in The Park. Consistent cost for faster online life, but flag any tracking slips like in old audits.

Wrapping It Up: What Items 2-6 Mean for All of Us

These assessments rake in $8 million total – fire and trash make up the bulk ($7.9 million), while broadband's pocket change (~$50,000 combined). From the budget spreadsheets, we've seen +$1.3 million in revenue tweaks (like fire cash boosts) and -$1.5 million in expenses, netting a positive for our county pot. Wins include reliable services without major hikes (except that $10 trash bump). But keep an eye on oversight – past messes like untracked fees remind us transparency matters and we are also not slated for a discount on ad valorem property taxes.

This is our money at work. Head to the September 15 hearing to voice opinions on rates or errors. Spread this guide, stay informed, and let's hold the line on red tape.

Stay sharp, Wakulla!