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RESOLUTION NO. 2011-026 <br />1. Recitals. The findings set forth in the "whereas" clauses above are true <br />and correct and are hereby adopted as the findings of the Board. <br />2. Position of the Board <br />following positions: <br />The Board hereby adopts and publishes the <br />a. Higher Rates. The higher rates charged by the City of Vero <br />Beach electric system are taking substantial funds out of the hands of <br />local residents — estimated at $16,000,000 per year, approximately <br />$9,760,000 (61%) of which is taken from non-resident customers. These <br />higher rates are having a negative impact on the local economy and are <br />impeding economic development and recovery efforts. Given the <br />apparent willingness of FPL to serve City customers, these impacts are <br />unnecessary; <br />b. Subsidy Practice. The subsidy practice of the City of Vero <br />Beach places an unfair burden on non-resident customers who pay <br />approximately $3,660,000 (61%) of the $6,000,000 transferred each year <br />from the City electric system to the City general fund. This practice <br />amounts to "taxation without representation" for non-resident customers; <br />CM Sale of System. On April 4, 20111 FPL submitted a letter of <br />intent expressing its interest in purchasing the City electric system for a <br />cash payment of up to $100 million. The Board urges the City Council <br />seriously to consider the transaction proposed in the letter of intent. To <br />the extent the transaction impacts non-resident customers of the City <br />electric system, the Board offers its support and assistance to FPL and the <br />City with respect to negotiations for a definitive agreement. If a definitive <br />agreement is reached, and if the agreement provides for FPL rates for City <br />customers which are consistent with FPL's rates to its other customers, <br />the Board urges the PSC to approve the agreement and include County <br />areas now served by the City within FPL's new service area; <br />d. Change in City Practices. If a sale of the City electric system <br />to FPL does not occur, the Board urges the City Council to (i) reduce <br />electric rates to the lowest level possible, consistent with prudent <br />practices, and (ii) stop the subsidy practice which places an unfair burden <br />on non-resident customers; <br />e. PSC Case. The Board supports the positions asserted by <br />Dr. Stephen J. Faherty, Sr. and Glenn Heran in the PSC case. If a sale of <br />the City electric system to FPL does not occur, the Board urges the PSC <br />to accept jurisdiction of the issues raised and to take appropriate action to <br />protect non-resident customers of the City electric system from the unfair <br />subsidy burden which they currently endure; <br />.3- <br />