Taxing Authorities Response to Duke’s Letter

On January 17, 2013, R. Alexander “Alex” Glenn, Duke/Progress Energy Florida’s CEO sent a letter to Citrus County Commissioners; Citrus County Property Appraiser;  Citrus County Schools Superintendent; and the Citrus County Sheriff giving notice that it would not pay more than $19million on its 2013 Property Tax Return.  It should be noted that Mr. Glenn’s letter comes long before the Citrus County Property Appraiser has even appraised and/or certified Duke’s or any of Citrus County Property Owners properties.  Below is a joint response to Mr. Glenn’s letter.

Dear Mr. Glenn, January 23, 2013

We are in receipt of your letter dated January 17, 2013. The expression of your strong commitment to Citrus County is important and we acknowledge the value of the County’s 50-year relationship with the power companies before Duke. Likewise, we recognize some value in the forewarning of your intention to make another partial payment for taxes in the upcoming fiscal year 2013/14. However, the full assessment of your properties has just begun to establish its value for 2013. Therefore, it is premature for you to unilaterally determine what your taxes should be. It is our intention to complete that evaluation in the coming months in accordance with Florida Statutes and the Florida Constitution.

We further believe it is inappropriate for your company, or any other, to pre-determine a partial payment of a tax bill. Progress Energy/Duke, like every other taxpayer, should pay their fair share, not the share they want to pay. Progress Energy/Duke would not accept a partial payment of a monthly electric bill from their customer, nor should they.
We know you are aware of the potential negative impact this issue will have on our schools, public health and safety and to our quality of life in Citrus County. As we move forward with these discussions, let us remember that your ratepayers, your customers, and even your employees, are our citizens. We all are bearing the cost of your attorneys, our attorneys and the negative impacts to the community.

While it appears that you have made a business decision on behalf of your company, the taxing authorities must protect the interest of this community. You give us no choice but to defend our position. We are committed to working through these issues efficiently and amicably. We appreciate keeping an open line of communication, and we look forward to working with you now, and in the future. It is our sincere desire to have a solid relationship with your organization, and one that is based on trust and is mutually beneficial to all parties involved.

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