Belleview writes off $55,228.26 in unpaid utility bills, backs church housing concept

The Belleview City Commission approved writing off $55,228.26 in delinquent utility accounts from FY 2024 through September 30, 2025. Writing off the balances is an accounting action only and does not forgive or waive the underlying debt. The city will keep the account information and may continue collecting outstanding balances when legally permissible.

In the past, the city carried delinquent utility balances for three years before presenting them to the commission for write-off. Staff confirmed with the city’s auditors that there is no requirement to carry balances for three years and that accounts delinquent for more than 180 days may be considered for write-off. Staff has also strengthened procedures for collecting delinquent utility accounts.

Commissioner Michael Goldman expressed frustration about the large amounts being written off. City Administrator Mariah Moody discussed the steps taken to reduce bad debt and catch up on collections. Commissioner Robert Smith asked whether it would be beneficial to post the names publicly. Goldman made the motion, Smith seconded it, and all five members voted yes.

The commission also agreed to move forward with the Yes in God’s Back Yard, or YIGBY, concept in the city. Mayor Christine Dobkowski said YIGBY is an affordable housing concept that gives faith-based organizations the opportunity to use property they own to help address housing needs. She said Florida law allows cities to approve qualifying affordable housing on property owned by religious institutions, including certain contiguous property, regardless of the underlying zoning, provided the requirements of Section 166.04151(6), Florida Statutes, are met.

Moody told the commission that, to renew the city’s property and casualty insurance for the 2026/27 fiscal year, Preferred Governmental Trust requires the city to approve and sign a participation agreement. The coverage includes auto, property, liability and public officials liability insurance. The agreement would supersede or amend any prior agreements with the trust.