• City of Tallahassee sewer fees and surcharges will increase for neighbors in Killearn Lakes units one and two.
• The affected neighbors will only have to pay USD 37 per month instead of around USD 14.
• Watch the video to find out how we got here:

TRANSCRIPT OF THE MISSION:

Imagine if your sewer fee went from just over $14 per month to $37.

That's exactly what could happen to some of Tallahassee's northeast neighbors.

Neighbors in units one and two of Killearn Lakes may be affected.

1,346 neighbors like Robert Daly could face a significant price increase if they flush water and sewage down the drain.

His first thought when he saw the news online:

“If they have to build new sewers or infrastructure to do that, I understand,” Daly said. “But I don't see that happening.”

Therefore he asks:

“What is the reason for this increase?” asked Daly.

I've been working to get answers for neighbors like Daly.

Through county records, I was able to find out that this letter was sent to neighbors in June to inform them of the change.

It describes an agreement between the district and the city from 2005 that provides for the connection of the more than 1,300 residents to a municipal sewage network.

The agreement was reached after problems with septic tanks were identified in the area.

The county built the infrastructure and handed it over to the city, but left the collection of fees to the county.

On June 9, 2024, the City of Tallahassee sent Leon County a letter informing them that the monthly rate and surcharge paid by neighbors would increase starting October 1.

City of Tallahassee

It says the increase is due to the fact that “city policy requires the city to fully cover the costs of the services provided.”

According to the letter, neighbors in the area currently pay less than current users, and the increase will bring their rates in line with the rest of the city.

Daly believes the neighbors don't know about it.

“A neighbor I texted this morning said, 'Are you kidding me? Thank God I'm moving next year,'” Daly said. “I don't think everyone really knows what's going on.”

I have asked the City of Tallahassee for further explanation as to why the fee is being increased.

They told me they could not speak for decisions that would affect county residents, but confirmed that the city would be raising sewer usage fees.

Staff in County Commissioner Brian Welch's office said the city is responsible for the logistics and will determine where the fee should go and why it is needed.

They also told me that under the 2005 agreement, the county was obligated to collect money for the city from its county neighbors.

In the meantime, he still wonders why, Daly said.

“I think that’s where the people of Killearn need to go and ask those questions,” Daly said.

Although this is a city action, a public hearing will be held at the Leon County Board of County Commissioners on July 9 at 6 p.m.