Subject:
Title
Approval; RE: Land Donation from Sasso Corporation -District 2
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Fiscal Impact:
The fiscal impacts to the EEL Program referendum funds will be for title commitment and closing fees, estimated at $705. Initial management costs are estimated at $1500 for boundary signs and exotic plant control. Annual management costs are estimated at $250.
Dept/Office:
Parks and Recreation/Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) approve acceptance of a donation of property from The Sasso Corporation, in Merritt Island (Parcel ID Number 24-37-19-00-251, Tax Account # 2431729); waiving the requirements for a survey and Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment, authorize the Chair to execute an agreement accepting the donation upon County Attorney’s Office and Risk Management Department review and approval. The County (EEL) will pay title and closing fees.
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Summary Explanation and Background:
The Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program was contacted by the The Sasso Corporation, which currently owns 15.98+/- acres of property in Merritt Island. The corporation wishes to donate the property to the County EEL Program on the condition that the property will be maintained by the County as conservation land in perpetuity. The Corporation would like to donate the property without incurring any costs. The Sasso Corporation will be responsible for paying all outstanding (pro-rated) property taxes that are due at the time of closing.
The property is directly adjacent to the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary currently under the management of the EEL Program. The habitats are in good condition with some invasion of exotic plant species that can be primarily addressed using State grant funding. Annual management needs are limited due to the good condition of the natural habitats. Annual tasks include managing exotic plant species, and boundary monitoring.
The EEL Selection and Management Committee unanimously approved a recommendation on April 16, 2025 for acceptance of the donation by the Board on the condition that two adjacent property encroachment issues were resolved in advance. The owner has resolved the two encroachment issues to the satisfaction of the County Attorney’s Office.
The Brevard County Property Appraiser’s 2024 tax-assessment of the parcel is recorded as $15,980.00 with a property tax total for 2024 of $189.62.
Clerk to the Board Instructions:
None