Feather Sound special taxing district seeks FY2026 increase to cover landscaping, utilities and planned pickleball court

Kevin Chambers, treasurer of the Feather Sound Community Services District, presented the district’s scope, recent projects and a FY2026 funding request to the county commission.

Scope and recent work: Chambers said the special taxing district, created by resident vote, maintains street lighting, medians, green spaces and the Earl Mays Recreation Area, which includes a playground, basketball court, multi‑purpose field and dog park. Recent projects included renovating the main entrance sign and landscaping, resurfacing and lighting a popular basketball court and installing a dog park. Chambers said volunteer board members oversee regular meetings and community input.

Budget request and priorities: The district’s FY2026 request is an increase from the prior year but would not require a higher millage rate. Chambers told the commission the increase would cover higher maintenance, utility costs and landscaping repairs after last year’s storms, and would allow the board to continue engineering and siting work for a planned pickleball court. He emphasized the request aligns with projected property tax revenues and would avoid a millage change.

Commissioner feedback: Commissioners praised the volunteers and the district’s efficient use of a small operating budget. Commissioner Peters asked whether residents were resisting additional taxes; Chambers said no residents had formally opposed a higher levy at board meetings and that he has not received complaints from the community.

Ending: The commission received the presentation and thanked the Feather Sound volunteers; no vote on the MSTU request occurred at the meeting.