Frequently Asked Questions:
Tampa CPR
As of October 22, 2007
Who is Tampa Canal Preservation & Restoration (Tampa CPR) and why isn’t the City organizing this project?
Tampa CPR is a group of waterfront residents who have the common goal of clean and navigable waterways. Our group has chosen to partner with the City of Tampa to get this done. The City has provided logistical, legal, and financial counseling to Tampa CPR regarding this type of project. Since this plan is the result of numerous requests from the waterfront community, the City has asked the residents to craft the details of the plan. Tampa CPR has formed a board of canal captains who have done this work with input from our waterfront neighbors.
Why isn’t this the City’s responsibility?
The sediment in the canals comes from a variety of sources including erosion, stormwater, and sediment load in the bay. There are many opinions as to the responsibility for the clean up. Tampa CPR agrees that some of the issues with our canals are due to lack of maintenance and proper stormwater disposal. However, we have also decided that the strategy of assigning blame for the problem, as has been done for decades, has not led to any canal dredging or long-term solutions. Tampa CPR believes that the best solution is a partnership with the City of Tampa to clean up the canals and provide a plan for future maintenance. Most other waterfront communities in Florida use the same type of program.
Why should I be in favor of this plan instead of doing a private dredging with my neighbors?
Private dredging may be an option for residents with minor sedimentation problems, and with a relatively small number of affected residents. As the project grows in size and complexity, so does the need for project management, oversight, and financing. Tampa CPR feels that a city-wide plan is the best option for a long-term solution to our waterway issues because the City is best equipped to manage the project, provide the financing, and collect the funds from the residents.
How did the City determine affected homes?
A recent survey identified approximately 600 properties that do not meet the stated Level of Service (LOS) of 3 feet of water at mean low tide in the center of the canal. These “possibly affected” properties will be confirmed by a final professional survey. Properties below LOS will be included in the plan.
My canal has much less sediment than others, why do I have to pay the same amount?
Tampa canals vary greatly in size, shape and amount of sediment. Having unique costs associated with precise sediment removal would require the City to establish a Special Assessment Area on a per property or per canal basis, which is not feasible.
Why was the LOS chosen to be three feet at mean low water?
This is a common engineering practice and will provide reasonable depth for navigation and tidal flow.
What’s the benefit?
What are the environmental enhancements?
This dredging will enable the canals to again be habitats for marine life and vegetation. Submerged invertebrates and emergent vegetation will be used to create healthier, cleaner water. Environmental details will be finalized as a part of the engineering study, and shared with all affected property owners.
How accurate are the cost estimates?
Conversations with local dredging contractors yielded cost estimates of $50 to $55 per cubic yard including disposal. Certain locations (narrow canals, low overhangs, etc.) may require special equipment that could drive the cost up to $100 per cubic yard in those specific areas. Total project costs were estimated at $50 and $100 per cubic yard. Using the more conservative (higher) figure of $100 per cubic yard, the estimated total cost of the project would be $6 million. Apply a federal grant of $1.3 million and City matching funds, and the cost comes to around $8,000 per lot. If financed at 5% for 20 years, the annual assessment would be around $600. Of course, if the bidding process comes in under $100 per cubic yard, then the cost would be lower.
How am I protected against the cost going up?
Property owners are protected from price increases by a public hearing process. The maximum price for the capital assessment will be established in the summer of 2008, once the parcels to be included are confirmed. A preliminary rate will be determined around June and notice of such rate will be mailed to all affected property owners indicating a public hearing date to consider adoption of a maximum rate. The public hearings will be held so that affected property owners can hear first hand of the budget and provide comments to Council. In the event the rate varies significantly from previous estimates provided, it will be the property owners’ responsibility to convey to Council at the public hearing that they no longer support the plan. The rate will then be set by Council. That rate cannot be increased without providing notice to all affected property owners once again and holding another public hearing.
What will my payment options be?
There will be three payment options:
1) Pay the Special Assessment in full (i.e. $8,000)
2) Pay annually for 20 years with interest (i.e. $600 per year for 20 years)
3) Defer payment – make no payments, amount due will accrue with interest and will be payable when your property changes hands (like any other lien)
What if I can’t afford to pay?
A deferral option has been created to accommodate residents in this situation, or who just want to put off paying the assessment until a future date and time.
How will I be billed?
You will be billed on your property tax bill.
How will this project affect my dock and seawall?
The plan is to dredge a 20 foot wide (where possible) by five foot deep channel down the middle of each affected canal. On some narrower canals, the main channel will be less than 20 feet wide so that it does not impact seawalls or existing structures. The exact dimensions of the main channel will not be determined until the engineering and bidding processes are complete. The project will not include dredging around docks and seawalls. Property owners will be able to work with the contractor for supplemental dredging at their own expense.
How much will it cost to dredge all the way to my seawall or dock?
Each property owner will have the option of supplemental dredging. This will be a separate contract between the property owner and the dredging contractor. While exact pricing is not known at this time, the economy of scale should have a positive effect on pricing. The property owner could also choose to hire their own contractor to do the supplemental dredging at a later date.
What will the procedure be for individuals who choose supplemental dredging?
A process will be set up to make it as easy as possible for you to work directly with the contractor.
What is my risk of being included in the assessment, but not receiving any benefit from the project?
Special Assessment Areas are created to fund specific projects within that area. If a resident does not receive benefit from the specific project (dredging) then they can not be assessed.
What is the difference between a Special Assessment and a Tax?
A Special Assessment is for a defined area and can only be charged to those who receive the benefit explicitly described in its purpose statement. The amount charged for a Special Assessment cannot be changed without Public Hearings. Taxes are based upon the value of your property, can be charged even if you do not derive a direct benefit and can change without public notice or hearings.
Will the project trigger reassessments of my property (resulting in higher taxes)?
No.
What is the timeline for the project?
How long will the City have my money before the dredging occurs?
You will be billed in the 2008 property tax invoice, with dredging commencement planned for late 2008 to early 2009. If you choose to defer the payment, the City will not have any of your money before dredging occurs.
How will the City determine which canals will be dredged in what order?
The process underway to gain consensus of property owners on respective canals will be used to help determine which canals will have work completed. The contractor will also determine the order for greatest project efficiency.
How can we be sure the sediment doesn’t build up again?
Much as been done to reduce the run off into our canals, however the true long term solution is the establishment of the second Special Assessment Area for maintenance.
Who will be responsible for the maintenance assessment funds and management?
The City of Tampa will be responsible and will work with a four person citizen advisory committee which will be appointed by City Council.
Isn’t the sediment toxic?
Sediment samples from various agencies have occurred throughout Tampa Bay. Previous samplings do not indicate that the sediment would be of a nature that would warrant any unusual handling requirements.
Where will the sediment be disposed?
Results of the engineering study will be used to determine the most environmentally and economically sound way to dispose of the sediment.
How will this affect my property value?
In general houses with deep water have higher values than those without. For an exact estimate of the impact on your property, we suggest that you to consult with a local real estate professional.