Pasco Commissioners Hold Waste Rates Steady, Weigh Major Growth Projects

Solid Waste Rates Held Steady

During the afternoon session of the Pasco County Board of County Commissioners on September 9, 2026, commissioners approved a resolution setting solid waste disposal assessments, tipping fees and related charges for the coming fiscal year without an increase. Staff told the board that a seven-year rate plan tied to funding the county's waste-to-energy expansion is holding, with bonds for that expansion having closed earlier this year.

Staff said the tipping fee would remain at roughly $14.30 per ton and the residential assessment at about $114 per household unit, arguing Pasco's disposal costs remain comparatively low against other communities with similar waste-to-energy systems. A commissioner noted that a change in the county's energy-sale contract with Duke Energy has created financial pressure, which staff estimated at about $20 million a year, that the rate plan is also intended to help offset. The resolution, including authorization to certify the assessment roll to the tax collector, passed on a voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Watch this discussion: 0:00:46 · 0:01:23 · 0:02:53 · 0:03:58

Orange Belt Trail Route Endorsed

Commissioners continued discussion of alignment options for the Orange Belt Trail, a multi-use path project with several proposed route segments. Debate centered on safety and cost, with one commissioner favoring a route that avoids having cyclists cross interstate on- and off-ramps, citing an existing state-built path along State Road 52 and referencing a costly interchange redesign years ago intended to protect cyclists from highway traffic.

Staff noted some trail segments are already being built by private developers near existing communities, lowering public cost, while other unbuilt segments may depend on future state trail grants. The board approved staff's recommended combination of route segments on a voice vote with no stated opposition, though a possible future land acquisition near Happy Hill Road to avoid a steep, hazardous section was raised for further study rather than decided.

Watch this discussion: 0:04:34 · 0:07:01 · 0:11:27 · 0:16:43

Large Rezonings Near Zephyrhills and SR 56 Delayed or Approved With Conditions

Several major land-use requests were before the board. A proposal to raise density on roughly 15 acres near US 301 and Chancey Road, allowing up to 300 apartment units, drew concern from commissioners and a nearby resident about worsening congestion on the still two-lane Chancey Road and US 301 corridor. After discussion about reworking the site to add more commercial space, the applicant agreed to redesign the plan and the item, along with its companion rezoning, was continued to the October 6 meeting. The applicant's counsel noted the board did not have a full board for a final vote, with one commissioner absent.

A much larger comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning for the roughly 3,400-acre Two Rivers development along SR 56, which would add residential, retail, hotel, assisted-living and a large water park, remained under discussion with unresolved questions about total unit counts and conditions restricting new apartments until the water park opens or three years pass, whichever is later. That item was ultimately approved later in the session, 3-0, with Commissioner Starkey absent, after the applicant agreed to adjust the timing condition. Commissioners and the applicant's team also discussed a state four-laning project for US 301 expected to begin construction around 2029, and county mobility fees potentially funding parallel road improvements.

Watch this discussion: 0:24:27 · 0:44:40 · 1:01:33 · 2:00:45

Other Rezonings, Continuances, and CDD Ordinances

Commissioners adopted ordinances establishing or amending several community development districts, including Wiregrass 3, a legal-description correction for McKendree Point, and a boundary expansion for Acacia Fields. All three ordinances passed 5-0 on roll call votes with no public speakers.

A rezoning for a small commercial parcel near Emma Cemetery Road and State Road 52 was approved after the applicant agreed to dedicate right-of-way if needed for the Orange Belt Trail. A 171-unit townhome project near US 41 and Land O' Lakes Boulevard, adjacent to the Caliente Resort, was approved with a new condition requiring disclosure to future buyers about the neighboring resort use. Several other items, including a private helicopter landing pad request and two separate MPUD matters, were continued to the October 6 or September 22 meetings.

Watch this discussion: 2:01:40 · 2:09:18 · 2:19:34 · 2:05:22

Budget Town Halls and Drone Policy Questions

A commissioner proposed that county budget staff hold three educational town hall meetings across the county before the November election to explain the general fund and Penny for Pasco program and to address what she described as misinformation circulating about the budget and a related ballot measure. Other commissioners voiced general support for the sessions being framed as informational rather than advocacy; no formal vote was taken, but the county administrator confirmed board consensus to proceed.

Separately, in response to a constituent question, the county attorney explained that Florida law allows law enforcement drone use only under specific exceptions, such as traffic enforcement or emergency searches, and generally requires a warrant to survey private property. A commissioner also asked staff to review the cybersecurity risks of surveillance technology systems before the county considers funding newer platforms, though no formal action was taken on that request.

Watch this discussion: 2:27:25 · 2:35:47 · 2:37:08 · 2:40:20

Source: 9.9.26 Pasco Board of County Commissioners Meeting (Afternoon Session), Pasco County Government. This AI-assisted summary is based on the recording’s transcript, which can contain transcription errors. It is not official meeting minutes. Timestamp links let readers check the original discussion.