Subject:
Title
Legislative Intent and Staff Direction, Re: Future funding needs for restoring health to the Indian River Lagoon, municipal support for the County managing dedicated funds and public input.
Title
End
Fiscal Impact:
NA
Dept/Office:
District 5 Commission Office on behalf of a citizen request
Requested Action:
Recommendation
It is requested that the BOCC consider the following actions:
1. Approve Legislative Intent and permission to advertise an ordinance for a voter referendum to renew the 1/2 cent infrastructure sales tax for the Save Our Indian River Lagoon Program to return to the Board for a Public Hearing in April or May;
2. Direct staff to work with municipalities to amend the existing sales tax use and distribution Interlocal agreement to extend its terms, subject to voter approval of the sales tax renewal;
3. Direct staff to work with municipalities and the community on a Project Plan that identifies the most cost-effective pollution reduction opportunities and unfunded needs for restoring health to the Indian River Lagoon ecosystem, to be implemented with funds raised or leveraged by extension of the sales tax, if renewed by the voters;
4. Solicit public input to be considered during development of the ordinance, ballot language, and Save Our Indian River Lagoon Project Plan; and
5. Direct staff to develop ballot language for the November 2026 General Election.
End
Summary Explanation and Background:
The Save Our Indian River Lagoon (SOIRL) Program was created with the 1/2 cent sales tax that Brevard County residents voted to impose on themselves in 2016. The program is designed to address excess nitrogen and phosphorus pollution to the Indian River Lagoon through various projects to reduce pollution inputs, remove legacy loads of pollution, and restore natural filtration systems. It has been a dedicated funding source for local projects planned to meet water quality targets and improve the health, productivity, aesthetic appeal, an...
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