GRU Authority Board considers shifting billing to tax collector

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (WCJB) - The GRU Authority Board weighed who will bill for storm water and solid waste on Wednesday.

The governor-appointed authority board discussed a proposal to shift collection to the Alachua County Tax Collector. The board was split about a decision and made no vote.

GRU CEO Ed Bielarski said the authority board has informed city leaders they will not extend the current agreement to bill for those services on behalf of the city. Bielarski said the city will likely have to use the tax collector’s office in order to meet a deadline.

Tax Collector John Power was at the meeting to answer questions from board members.

“We have economies of scale. We collect over half a billion — b — half a billion dollars every year. It’s all we do. That’s our lane. We stay in it,” Power said.

Power said if his office bills for stormwater and solid waste, it would be one more line item added to customers’ tax bills. He said that means customers could get a discount by paying early.

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