Subject:
Title
Approval of ballot language, legislative intent and permission to advertise a Save Our Indian River Lagoon Infrastructure Sales Surtax ordinance to place a referendum on the November 5, 2024 ballot, and re-negotiating the existing municipal interlocal agreement for the sales tax.
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Fiscal Impact:
No fiscal impact until 2027 and then only if the referendum is approved to be on the ballot by the Board and then is approved by the voters. There will be no impact to the general fund or other funds other than those collected through the proposed surtax if approved.
Dept/Office:
District 5 Commission Office
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the Board of County Commissioners:
1. Review and approve ballot language (Attachment A) to place a referendum for a ten-year extension of the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Infrastructure Sales Surtax on the November 5, 2024 ballot;
2. Approve legislative intent and permission to advertise an ordinance amending the Brevard County Code, Article X, Save Our Indian River Lagoon Infrastructure Sales Surtax (draft ordinance is Attachment B);
3. Direct staff to amend to extend the existing municipal interlocal agreement regarding use and distribution of the sales tax and authorize the Chair to execute once negotiations are complete (current interlocal agreement is Attachment C).
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Summary Explanation and Background:
In January through March 2016, Brevard County residents endured the most extensive and intensive algal bloom ever recorded in the Indian River system during winter to spring months. The collapse of this bloom in March resulted in one of the most extensive fish kills ever recorded in the county. The 2016 bloom and fish kill followed a 2011 algal super bloom, brown tides in 2012, 2013 and 2015, and unusual mortality events for dolphins, manatees and pelicans.
On March 29, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners voted to send a letter to the Governor requesting assistance. The Governo...
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