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understand the changing rates. They are also concerned about what would happen if the <br />interest on the lien were to surpass the value of the house. <br />Mr. Chastain advised that at the informational meeting held July 12" he had explained <br />the assessment process for the homeowners and how confusion can arise when the estimated <br />cost for this phase is compared to some final costs in a previous phase. On Phase II -C, for <br />example, the estimated assessment was about 20¢ per square foot, yet the final cost was just <br />over 17¢ per square foot. There is no question there will be hardships, but the costs for <br />some homeowners maintaining their well water is even greater with water conditioning <br />processes. Others are having to use bottled water. He did not want to mislead anyone but <br />calculated that it could cost as low as about $15 per month over a 10 -year period. The first <br />payment would not be due until one year after the anniversary date of the final assessment. <br />He also reminded them that, to his knowledge, the County has never foreclosed on one of <br />these assessment liens. That obligation would be paid to the County when the property is <br />sold. In addition, homeowners have a choice of connecting or maintaining their well. The <br />homeowner will have the same obligation as the owner of a vacant lot. <br />Vice Chairman Stanbridge explained that it is expected the county will be in a drought <br />for the next few years which will cause many wells in the Sebastian area to go dry and there <br />may not be water which can be located. Many people are fearful they will lose their water. <br />Julia Titus, 654 Cavern Terrace, Sebastian, a recent home builder, had received only <br />one letter regarding this assessment. She had several basic questions which were addressed <br />by Mr. Chastain and Commissioners. She believed providing the water was good, but <br />suggested the Board look into tapping into energy assistance programs for hookups. She was <br />sure that water, being an energy, could be provided to those in need under those programs. <br />She had worked in New York on energy assistance and offered her help. <br />Mr. Chastain offered to meet with Ms. Titus after the meeting and provide a copy of <br />July 24, 2001 <br />30 r S t�R <br />DN' 1 6 v E17 9 3 3 <br />