Maitland City Talk

In 1996, the very first Stormwater Lakes Management Plan (SLMP) was published. The SLMP documents water-quality trends in Maitland’s lakes and provides guidance on programs and infrastructure to improve the quality of lakes.

Nitrogen, phosphorus, chlorophyll, and clarity of each lake are measured. The data is plugged into a formula and derives the Trophic State Index (TSI). The lower the value, the better the quality of the lake. There are four trophic states: oligotrophic (below 50), mesotrophic (50 - 61), eutrophic (61 - 70), and hypereutrophic (greater than 70).

For example, in 1993, Lake Lily was hypereutrophic with a TSI value of 71. Fast-forward 22 years, and Lake Lily’s TSI value is 40 – a dramatic difference – and none of Maitland’s lakes are eutrophic or hypereutrophic. To learn more, download the SLMP at itsmymaitland.com.

The city remains committed to its lakes. Retention ponds, nutrient-separating baffle boxes, stormwater collection systems, and drainage improvements have positively impacted the quality of Maitland’s lakes. Created in 2008, the Stormwater Environmental Utility Special Revenue Fund funds these important lakes projects.

Number of lakes within the city proper: 22

Number of, out of 18 lakes studied in 1996, that had TSI values over 61: 3

Number of lakes with TSI values greater than 61: 0

How can you help protect our great lakes?

• Don’t allow grass, leaves, and trash into storm drains

• Clean up – and properly dispose of – pet waste

• Avoid or reduce use of pesticides and fertilizers

• Install rain barrels to catch stormwater

• Wash your car over the lawn

• Adjust irrigation to cover lawn

Budget season is underway

The millage rate sets the amount of money to be collected based on the total taxable value of each property established by the Orange County Appraiser's Office. On Monday, July 25, the City Council set the tentative Truth-in-Millage (TRIM or millage) rate to 4.7.

Every summer the Orange County Appraiser's Office mails TRIM notices to Orange County residents. When you see your TRIM notice in the mail, keep in mind that it is a placeholder and not the final set millage rate. The City Council will set the proposed millage rate in the first September meeting and adopt the final millage rate at the last meeting in September.

The next budget meeting is on Monday, Aug. 22, when the City Council will set the stormwater rate.

On Monday, Aug. 1, the City Council hosted a workshop to discuss the CRA, Stormwater, Water & Sewer, and Solid Waste funds. Listen to the audio on the city’s website at itsmymaitland.com.