by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Not even an impassioned speech from City Council President Daniel Davis could sway the City Finance Committee.
During a five-minute discussion Monday before the Committee, Davis expressed his feelings and reasons for pushing an amendment to the stormwater fee ordinance that would increase the exemption of 501(c)3s and churches from 50 percent to 100 percent.
“To me, the financial benefit the city receives compared to the quality of life that the non-profits add to our city, it’s a no-brainer,” said Davis. “It’s like peanuts compared to the amount of money we get back because we don’t have to deal directly in these areas these non-profits have to deal with.”
Davis said that of the $33 million projected to be collected from the fee, $600,000 would be collected from non-profits, funds he said that are tough on shoe-string budget organizations and churches. While 50 percent would mean a $300,000 projected exemption, the boost to 100 percent would save organizations another $300,000 — money he said is tough to come by for non-profits.
“The impact it makes to us, it’s not that big of a deal,” he said. “To them, it’s a big deal.”
In response, Council member Art Graham said he philosophically disagreed with Davis.
The stormwater fee, he said, would pay for stormwater treatments — money that used to come from the General Fund — and would also pay for improvements over and above stormwater runoffs.
Further, he said, the 50 percent reduction gives homeowners and organizations an incentive for taking care of their own stormwater. The other 50 percent or “tax part” — as Graham called it — would go toward the common roads used by everyone.
If not for the incentive for organizations taking care of their own stormwater, Graham questioned what would prevent them from dumping the stormwater into the roads for the City to treat.
“We’re asking everybody to step up this year because things are so hard,” said Graham. “The non-profits, profits and everybody else.”
Graham also referred to the precedent that may be established if 100 percent exemptions were made, referencing an example of a Finance Committee speaker who spoke before Davis.
Andy Eckert of the Duval County School Board asked for a request that would allow Duval County Schools 100 percent exemption from the proposed stormwater fee ordinance.
Eckert said the fee is estimated at roughly $1 million — which he equated to 20 teachers, salaries or after school programs — and that while a part of the City, Duval County Schools can’t raise taxes or fees like other agencies to compensate.
If the school system is not able to get the 100 percent exemption, Eckert said he would like for the system to be considered similar to the 501(c)3s, which was agreed upon.
That amendment carried, which then led to Davis’ speech, discussion and amendment proposal.
Davis’ amendment went to the floor to be seconded, but was rejected by Finance Committee members.