OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing July 15 regarding a proposed increase to the Municipal Services Benefit Unit (MSBU) assessment for Kingsland Country Estates at Whispering Pines and Forest Glen.

Unanimous Approval of MSBU Increase

The board voted unanimously, 5-0, to approve the increase.

Zachary Jacobs, Marion County municipal services operations manager, clarified that the initiative originated from the homeowners in the two communities, not the county. He said the county had discussed the increase with the homeowners’ associations, who understand the need for it.

Background on Streetlighting MSBU

Both subdivisions, located in Marion County District no. 2, established their MSBU in 2021 to fund streetlighting. At that time, the ordinance set a maximum rate of $100. Currently, the county collects $45 per year per parcel, which supports just over 200 streetlights.

Why the Increase is Needed

“We’re asking that it does get increased to $66 per year per person. Currently at the $45 rate, the county will be in the red by the end of the next fiscal year, 2025–2026, with a shortfall of $12,000,” said Jacobs. “The budget is getting thin and municipal services is working with the budget department.”

He added that rising energy costs, particularly increases from SECO, have made the $66 rate more sustainable.

“Considering the energy rates that have increased over the last year, SECO has dramatically made some increases, we have agreed that $66 will put us in a position where we can still provide these services for the next 10 years. It looks like we’d be able to sustain to fiscal year 2034–2035 at that rate.”

Support from HOA and Long-Term Goals

The county has been servicing these communities for nearly five years. Roughly 1,200 parcels contribute to the MSBU.

Jacobs explained that an increase is necessary and said the proposed $66 rate would allow the county to continue providing the service for another decade.

“This is a good thing, it provides safety for everybody,” said Richard Kiefer, who serves on the board of the Kingsland Country property owners’ association. “As a board member, I’m going to try to get on SECO a little bit, maybe you guys (the board) can help me get some of these lights switched to LED, which would lower the cost. As a board member, we understand the raise…but we do want it for the safety of the HOA.”

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