New Port Richey taxpayers to get billed for waste collection

New Port Richey residents will soon see their waste collection fees from J. D. Parker & Sons included in their property tax bills, following a narrow City Council vote. The 3-2 decision aims to tackle the significant issue of unpaid waste bills, which currently affect nearly one-third of property owners. Mayor Chopper Davis and council members Kelly Mothershead and Matthew Murphy supported the resolution, while Bertell Butler IV and Peter Altman opposed it, citing concerns about fairness and billing methods.

The council is also entering interlocal agreements with the Pasco County property appraiser and tax collector to facilitate this change. Many residents, especially renters and those who only occupy their homes part-time, have voiced objections, arguing that they should not be billed for services not used. One notable resident, Butler, whose home was destroyed in a hurricane, criticized the system for potentially imposing liens on properties for unpaid bills. Council members assert that exemptions will be available for those facing hardships, but the debate over equitable treatment continues. The situation reflects broader issues of waste management and fiscal responsibility in local governance.