Pasco County Utilities will be charging a new $9 fee for utilities assessment searches, effective July 1, according to a county news release.
The fee will cover assessment search services for water, sewer, reclaimed water and commercial solid waste services at a specific property.
Assessments are designed to protect property owners who are taking on new loans or refinancing, the release says.
The fee rate was established through the Utility Rate Study and helps to offset associated costs, including staff and equipment, the release says.
“A title search should include checking for unpaid assessments,” Utilities Customer Information & Services Director Sandra Anderson, said in the release. “Overlooking an assessment could be detrimental, as any unpaid assessments will be levied against a parcel, and are subject to penalties and lien activity. A thorough search, before closing, reduces additional costs after the closing.”
Allow up to five business days for each assessment search. Billing statements, sent the first week of each month, will show requests that were received the month prior.
Payments may be made online or over the phone by calling 855-786-5344, which is available 24/7. A full list of payment options and payment methods are available by visiting bit.ly/PascoUtilitiesBillPay.
For more information on the assessment process or the tools developed by Pasco County Utilities, visit bit.ly/PCUAssessmentSearch.
Published May 11, 2022
