CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County commissioners are considering a proposal to raise the local utility tax from 4% to 10% — a 6% increase that would apply to electric bills for those within unincorporated portions of the county, including Clay Electric members.
It would affect the majority of the county, like Middleburg, Fleming Island and Oakleaf.
This potential increase would more than double the current utility tax rate for these members, increasing an average bill by approximately $6 per month or $72 per year for members using approximately 1,500 kWh of electricity. Overall, it’s about a $7 million increase, Clay Electric said.
“Well, it’s part of the process, I guess,” said Janet Marcum, a Clay County resident. “Everything has to go up...I’m sure they make enough money without raising our rates.
Clay Electric, a private, not-for-profit member-owned electric distribution utility that is not affiliated with the government, said District 4 Commissioner Betsy Condon has stated her opposition to the increase. The county’s four other commissioners have not yet publicly shared their positions.
The county commission looked at different budget options earlier this month. A couple of alternatives to fund the county included slashing millions from the sheriff’s office budget or smaller items like lighting in county parks and repairs to bridges.
“We are 47 out of 67 counties in how much taxes we pay,” said Commissioner Kristen Burk. “This is, this is a very tough situation we are in. I’m termed out so I understand the politics part of it. However, we have people coming by the droves to our county from other counties in the state because of how low our taxes are.”
But nothing is settled.
The commission will vote on which proposal they will go with, cuts to services or a utility tax hike, during their meeting at 4 p.m. on July 8. The final vote will also be held on the same day.