What is the estimated
cost for a road assessment program for my street, neighborhood,
or subdivision?
If completed on a front footage basis, the current estimated
cost is $25-$50 per foot. An estimated per parcel cost can vary
depending on the number of assessable parcels being affected and
the number of miles in the project.
What are the advantages of
paying the assessment in full?
You will save interest, financing fees and borrowing costs that
are added from the date of the final hearing after the pre-pay
period ends.
When does the pre-pay
period begin?
Immediately after the receipt of the Notice of Special
Assessment that is mailed to all property owners by certified
mail after the Final Public Hearing. This notice will tell tell
you how much is owed, and when it is due in order to save the
additional costs. This period usually lasts 30-60 days after the
final hearing is held, sometimes longer, depending on the
circumstances.
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Silver Springs Shores: Pine Radial from Pine Road |
- When will construction
begin?
Usually within 45-60 days after the final public hearing is held.
All contract documents must be executed by the contractor and the
Board of County Commissioners before a Notice to Proceed is created
for the contractor. No construction can commence until:
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The final public hearing is held; and
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Until the appropriate documents are submitted to the
Purchasing Department by the contractor whose bid is
accepted and a Notice to Proceed is issued.
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Will the property owners
receive refunds if costs
are saved during construction?
Refunds are prepared after all costs are calculated by the Marion
County Finance Department and an amended assessment roll is prepared
and submitted to the Board of County Commissioners for acceptance
and approval. Refunds are usually sent out within 12 to 24 months
from the time of completion of the project and after all final costs
are known.
Who do I contact to find out
how much is owed on my road assessment?
Call the Marion County Finance Department -- (352) 671-5600.
Advantages to your community
when improvements
are made with a road assessment program:
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| 1. |
Increased property values
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No potholes or road conditions to damage vehicles or
cause expensive vehicle repair
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Less dust and dirt getting into your A/C units
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| 4. |
Less tax dollars spent on costly road maintenance that
washes away with every rain
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Assessments can be paid over 7-10 years if desired, or
paid in full during the pre-pay period
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Assessments can be paid in full at any time during the
7-10 year period without penalty for early payment
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Allows property owners to assess themselves and get
their road(s) improved that otherwise may not be
available under other circumstances
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Makes the property more valuable for re-sale
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Who can be assessed for road
and drainage improvements?
All properties which can benefit from the proposed road and drainage
improvements- including any parcels outside of the subdivision that
front on the proposed road and benefit from the improvements, or
whose only access is over the road(s) proposed for improvement-can
be assessed. It is important to remember that there may be
pre-existing circumstances prohibiting the assessment of certain
properties, so each new MSTU project requires research time by
county staff to ensure all legal and code requirements are met.
How are affected properties
assessed?
Two options are currently used:
1. Per parcel (Platted Lot) -or-
2. Per front foot
The Marion County Board of County Commissioners is not limited to
these options. Per parcel has been determined to be the most
equitable way of assessing properties within road assessment areas
to date.
How is the assessment cost
derived for each property or owner?
All associated costs including: mailings, inspections, testing,
engineering design, construction, contingency, MSTU/Assessment
Department, Finance, Clerk and Bond Counsel are totaled and that
cost is divided by the number of assessable parcels or by total
assessable footage.
How long do I have to pay for
these road assessment costs?
The repayment terms are at the Board's discretion. Citizens have at
least seven years and possibly as many as ten years, to pay the
assessment. This amount can be paid off at any time without penalty.
Marion County ordinance 93-02 states that driveways are provided
only to occupied lots. Vacant lots do not receive a paved approach
unless there is a fence and gate or if a building permit issued
before the road assessment project is bid.
Who do I call if I have a
problem with my driveway or if I have a complaint or a concern
during the construction of the road improvements?
Call the MSTU/Assessment Department -- (352) 438-2650.
Why are assessment projects
"bundled" for the
borrowing to do the construction?
A "stand alone" borrowing may have as much as $50,000 in associated
costs. Therefore, several projects are “bundled†to include all of
the road assessments that are ready for construction to save
borrowing cost if approved at the final public hearing. The amount
paid by each assessment area is arrived at by dividing the number of
assessable areas into the borrowing costs. The more projects to
share in the cost, the lower the costs will be to each assessment
area.
Does the bundling process delay
the project(s)?
Our goal is to have all projects under construction within 18-24
months after acceptance of the petition by the Board of County
Commissioners. Bundling could delay a project somewhat but the short
delay will ultimately save money for the citizens affected by the
MSTU project.
Will I Be Able to Get In and
Out of My Property During Construction?
Yes. The contractor is required to maintain traffic during
construction. There may be delays while pipe is installed or
equipment is being moved but you will always be able to gain access
to your property.
Will the Contractor Move My
Trees and Shrubs?
The contractor will not move or replace shrubs or trees in a
repaving project. However, trees and shrub removal may be part of a
total construction project depending on the location within the
Right of Way.
How Long Will the Road Last
Once it is Repaved?
The life expectancy of a repaved road is 15-20 years.
Will This Improvement Help Our
Drainage Problems?
Each project is prepared in accordance with the request of the
homeowners who petition for an MSTU/Assessment. Drainage
improvements are part of the design when new construction is
proposed. However, drainage is not considered for overlay projects.
How Will This Improvement
Benefit Me?
In addition to access to your property from a paved road, experience
has shown that homes on paved roads sell faster and at a higher
price than if no road improvements were done.
Can We Expect a Higher Cost
than What is on the Petition?
All estimates are subject to bidding and the exact cost would not be
known until bids are received and calculated.
Does Marion County Pay for Any
of the Project Costs?
No. In unrecorded subdivisions (e.g., private roads) the Marion
County Board of County Commissioners [BCC] is prohibited from
spending public funds for private purposes.
Note: The BCC does not share in the costs for recorded areas as well
as the unrecorded areas.
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