Reject FDOT deal

The Board of County Commissioners will be asked to participate in a state-funded matching grant by the Florida Department of Transportation in the near future. The purpose of this project will be to pave the lime rock road on both the north and south sides of the barge canal. At best, this project will not show benefits for years to come. The county’s cost for this would be $148,800.

Meanwhile, Citrus Springs residents are faced with traveling on failing roads every day. There are approximately 440 miles of paved roads in Citrus Springs, most of which are failing and in need of repair and resurfacing. Keep in mind that it is 370 miles from Citrus County to Atlanta, Georgia, to give you an idea of the magnitude of this problem.

Currently, Citrus Springs residents are paying the brunt of the road repair through a Municipal Services Benefit Unit, or MSBU, which is added to the ad valorem taxes of each resident. The current MSBU is also paying for street lights, fire hydrants, mowing, sign maintenance and replacement in addition to two full-time county employees and their benefits. The county’s only contribution is matching the amount used for road repair by the MSBU.

Citrus Springs contributes more than $6.4 million in property taxes to Citrus County annually. Yet citizens living in Citrus Springs are paying more than their fair share for services through an MSBU while their contribution to the county coffers are being used in other areas of the county.

I would hope the BOCC would reject this grant proposal and use that money where it would have an immediate impact. Showing some respect for those living in Citrus Springs would be a good start.

Bernie Leven
Citrus Springs