CLAY COUNTY, Fla. – Clay County commissioners are considering a proposal to raise the local utility tax from 4% to 10% — a 6% increase that would apply to electric bills for those within unincorporated portions of the county, including Clay Electric members, Clay Electric announced Monday.
This potential increase would more than double the current utility tax rate for these members, increasing an average bill by approximately $6 per month or $72 per year for members using approximately 1,500 kWh of electricity. Overall, it’s about a $7 million increase, Clay Electric said.
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Clay Electric, a private, not-for-profit member-owned electric distribution utility that is not affiliated with the government, said District 4 Commissioner Betsy Condon has stated her opposition to the increase. The county’s four other commissioners have not yet publicly shared their positions.
Clay Electric is encouraging members to attend upcoming public meetings:
- July 8 – Clay County Board of County Commissioners Workshop, 9 a.m.;
- Clay County Commission Meeting, 4 p.m.
- July 22 – Clay County Commission Meeting, 4 p.m.
All meetings offer opportunities for public comment.
Clay Electric said it informs its members whenever additional fees or taxes are proposed that will cause electric bills to increase. If this tax increase is passed, the increased amount will be added to electric bills on behalf of the county commission.