30% Haven't Paid City Fees

Jacksonville City Council was meeting Tuesday night to talk about those unpopular garbage and stormwater fees. But the discussion was not about eliminating the fees, but possibly adding the fees to property tax bills, which city leaders say will save the city money and might increase the number of people paying.

Six months after the this year's bills went in the mail, 30 percent of property owners have not paid, amounting to $14 million in unpaid fees.

The average home is billed $111 each May for the combined fees.

While city leaders are looking at using collection agencies or imposing liens on properties, City Council was meeting Tuesday night to discuss a proposal to add the fees to the yearly property tax bill.

The change would either make it harder for people to ignore the fees, or simply not notice them if the money comes out of the escrow accounts of their mortgages.

That idea appears to be no more popular than the fees themselves.

Homeowner Joyce Beatty said she has paid the fees, but isn't happy about it, nor about billing them with her taxes.

"I think they need to get rid of it all together," said homeowner Joyce Beatty. "They don't need to add that to our property taxes. We already pay enough property taxes ... and we are not getting anything for it."

If the change is approved by City Council, it doesn't mean those who have refused to pay in the past are off the hook.

"By law, we have the ability to pursue any legal means necessary." city spokeswoman Marcy Cook said. "Right now, we are looking at liens. I know that has been talked about a lot.. We are also looking at utilizing a collection agency."

There is a public hearing at Tuesday night's council meeting. A vote on the proposal is scheduled for the meeting in two weeks.

Previous Stories:

• October 13, 2009: Councilwoman Withdraws City Fee Bills
• July 24, 2009: Councilwoman Wants Fees Repealed
• April 10, 2009: New Bills To Go Out For Unpopular Fees
• May 19, 2008: Hits Keep Coming For Jacksonville Taxpayers
• May 17, 2008: Angry Residents Refuse To Pay New City Fees
• March 26, 2008: Council Exempts Churches, Schools From Storm Water Fee
• September 26, 2007: Fees Approved By Council To Come In Spring
• September 26, 2007: Council Hammers Out Budget That Includes Storm-Water, Garbage Fees
• September 25, 2007: Budget Battle Continues At City Hall
• September 24, 2007: Church Members Protest Proposed City Fees
• September 13, 2007: New City Fees To Cost City Millions In Billing Expenses
• July 13, 2007: Mayor Gives First Look At New Fees
• April 26, 2007: City Mulls Service Cuts, Taxes To Cover Expected Shortfall