What are assessments?
These assessments are used to help pay for solid waste collection, disposal, and facilities that benefit Clay County residents. The disposal assessment pays for solid waste disposal and facilities, like the Environmental Convenience Centers and the Household Hazardous Waste Center at the Rosemary Hill Solid Waste Management Facility. The collection assessment pays for residential garbage, recycling, and yard trash collections. By law, these funds cannot be used for any other county service or facility.
Can I opt out?
While residents may choose to self-haul their garbage and recycling to one of the county’s collection centers, they cannot opt out of the collection assessment that pays for the availability of collection services. This availability is similar to library taxes paid by all, whether one does or does not use the libraries. The universal collection also allows for disaster debris collection from homes, and without it, emergency debris cleanup costs wouldn’t be eligible for state or federal disaster reimbursement, leaving the bill in the hands of the taxpayers.
Are there hardship exemptions?
Yes. There are hardship exemptions for individuals based on income. Please call our staff at (904) 284-6374 Monday through Friday between 8:30-4:30 or email swexemptions@claycountygov.com
The following persons, who own property that is used as a homestead, may also receive an exemption from the solid waste disposal assessment:
A veteran who was honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability; or
A spouse of a deceased veteran who was honorably discharged with a service-connected total and permanent disability; or
The surviving spouse of a veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Any veteran or spouse who qualifies for the exemption as detailed above shall only be entitled to one exemption for one homestead property.
You can learn more by visiting the Environmental Services webpage or by calling (904) 284-6374 during normal business hours.
What is the reason for the increases?
The county’s disposal costs have increased 60% on average. The assessment rates reflect the residential portion of the cost of disposal services. Collection costs have also risen.
The county has not increased disposal assessment rates since 1993 and was able to decrease that rate by 14% in 2016. The collection assessment rate has increased by less than 10% in the 17 years since 2006, while inflation increased 48% over the same time period.
What is the proposed increase?
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Disposal Assessment
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Annual
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Month
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Week
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Current Rate
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$ 72.00
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$ 6.00
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$ 1.38
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Proposed Rate
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$ 96.00
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$ 8.00
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$ 1.85
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Difference (33%)
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$ 24.00
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$ 2.00
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$ 0.46
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Collection Assessment
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Annual
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Month
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Week
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Current Rate
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$ 161.00
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$ 13.42
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$ 3.10
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Proposed Rate
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$ 228.00
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$ 19.00
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$ 4.38
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Difference (42%)
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$ 67.00
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$ 5.58
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$ 1.29
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The total disposal and collection assessment increase is $1.75 a week.
What is the Maximum Rate for Future Years?
The maximum rate is the highest rate the county can charge for solid waste services under this proposal. The county sets a cap on these amounts to allow for service cost adjustments in the upcoming years, based on factors like inflation. Any future adjustment to the rates will require another vote by commissioners.
What period of time do the assessments cover?
The assessments will cover October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
When do I have to pay the assessments?
Affected property owners will see the assessments on their 2023 tax bill that will be mailed in November by the Tax Collector’s Office. These assessments are based on the cost of services provided to residential properties and are not based on property values.
Are there public hearings on this?
Yes. The public hearing on these assessments will be August 22, 2023 during the Board of County Commissioners meeting on the 4th floor of the County Administration Building in Green Cove Springs. That address is 477 Houston Street, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. The public hearing is set for 5:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter. Residents will have an opportunity to share their opinions on the rates.
What happens after that hearing?
Directly after the public hearing, during the August 22nd meeting, commissioners will vote on the assessments. If adopted, they will go into effect on October 1, 2023, and will be included in the 2023 tax bills in November.
Where can I get more information?
For questions regarding either assessment, please contact the County's Environmental Services Department at (904) 284-6374 Monday through Friday between 8:30-4:30 or by emailing assessmentcoordinator@claycountygov.com.
