GRU Authority Board deadlocks on who should collect Gainesville garbage bills

The GRU Authority Board met Wednesday to debate whether to shift billing for stormwater and solid waste services to the Alachua County Tax Collector, but the board split evenly and took no vote. GRU CEO Ed Bielarski indicated the authority has told city leaders it will not renew its current agreement to handle those collections on the city’s behalf, potentially forcing Gainesville to rely on the tax collector’s office to meet a billing deadline. Tax Collector John Power attended the meeting and said his office could add those charges as a line item on customers’ existing tax bills, which would allow early-payment discounts.

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Sources: WCJB TV20 · Mainstreet Daily News

High Springs weighs fire service cuts to close 12.5% budget gap

High Springs city leaders discussed potentially reducing fire services at a joint meeting Thursday with Alachua County commissioners as they work to trim 12.5% from the city budget. Several residents spoke in favor of preserving the city fire department, but no decision was reached. The next commission meeting is scheduled for May 28.

Sources: WCJB TV20