Every residential and commercial solid waste customer in the city of Sarasota will see a new $3.63 charge on their monthly bill starting Aug. 1. The money goes into a dedicated Natural Disaster Collection Reserve, which the city says will reach $5 million over seven years, funding rapid debris removal after hurricanes and other disasters.

The city announced the fee in a press release Friday. The Coalition of City Neighborhood Associations circulated the notice to its member groups Monday.

What the fee pays for

The reserve is earmarked for one purpose: collecting storm debris. The city said the fund will cover contractor payments and keep regular trash and recycling service running during and after a disaster, without waiting on FEMA reimbursements or emergency budget transfers.

At $3.63 per month, the fee works out to about $43.56 per year per customer.

The fee is funded entirely through solid waste user charges. It does not come from property taxes or the general fund.

The city's press release page features a photograph of debris from Hurricane Irma, which struck Sarasota in September 2017, though the announcement does not cite specific cost figures from that storm. The fee takes effect at the start of August, midway through the Atlantic hurricane season.

What residents should know

The $3.63 line item will appear on solid waste bills dated Aug. 1 and after. The city has not announced a public hearing, sunset date or periodic review schedule for the fee. No city commission vote or ordinance number was referenced in the announcement.

The city described the reserve as a way to strengthen its ability to deliver rapid debris removal throughout the community, according to its July 10 news release.

Residents with questions about the fee can contact the city of Sarasota's solid waste division.