JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- New city fee backlash continued on Friday, about two weeks after most Jacksonville residents received their bills in the mail, with some refusing to pay up and others simply returning the unpaid bills to the city.

The fees were proposed last summer by Mayor John Peyton and passed with only minor modifications by City Council in an effort to balance the city's budget following the Florida Legislature's rollback of property tax rates last year.

The storm water fee will be used to improve drainage. The garage fee will go to the general fund to help pay for trash removal.

In early May, the city began trying to collect money for fees; however, instead of paying up some people are protesting and telling city leaders they plan to hold onto their hard-earned money.

“I am not going to pay it, period,” said resident Julie Terrell.

Terrell told Channel 4 the city wants her to pay a $75 storm-water fee for services she said she never receives.

She is one of many residents who have decided to let the city know in their own way what it can do with the new bills and fees.

“I am not going to pay. Slap it against my property. They can do whatever they want to do. I'm not paying,” Terrell said.

Others homeowners have gone one step further in their defiance by returning their bills to the city.

James Wood said he sent his bill back to the mayor along with a lengthy letter that states, “I have not, as the rest of the voters in this county, received the invitation to vote on this additional fee.”

Wood’s letter goes on to say "the fee is based on mistakes." He said he’s proud to say he supported the property tax reform passed by the Legislature, which was supposed to save taxpayers money.

City officials said they received a number of calls and complaints. So far, they said they collected $3 million, even though the bills are not due until June.

So, what is the city saying to those who are now refusing to pay?

“We accept their position, understanding that late fees do apply and they will start to accrue on July 1. Once they reach a threshold, which has not been set yet, we are going to see how things shake out. There is a threshold that will be reached and we will place liens on properties,” said Marci Cook, of Jacksonville Public Works.

“We are just trying to make a living, and we have to find secondary jobs and everything to make ends meet. I don't see Peyton having to do that. Is he getting a secondary job? I don't think so. Is Peyton worried about feeding his kids? No,” Terrell said.