05/06/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Dr. Faherty disclosed that a referendum was going to be placed on the ballot in the fall election to allow all affected municipal electric utility customers to decide whether or not to create a separate utility authority to operate the utility. If a majority of the customers favor creating a separate utility authority, the affected utility must present a proposed Charter to the Legislature by January 15, 2009 to transfer the electric, as well as, the water and sewer utilities. Dr. Faherty stressed the importance of including a multi jurisdictional representative group in both the planning of the referendum item, and in the implementation of the proposed Charter to the Legislature. Concluding his presentation, Dr. Faherty suggested some actions which the County could take to protect the interests of the approximately 19,000 of the City Electric customers who reside in the County, and the 10% of the customers who live in Indian River Shores. Board members expressed their appreciation and support for Dr. Faherty's efforts. They wanted to have staff meet with him, and gain additional input, so the Commission could receive staff's recommendation. Administrator Baird explained that due to the loss of revenues subsequent to the passage of Amendment 1, the municipalities would be looking to annexations as a quick way of increasing revenues. This would reduce the County's tax base and increase that of the cities, creating an inequity that needs to be addressed with the Legislature. Bea Gardner spoke about the grave concerns of local citizens who must pay higher utility bills than the residents using Florida Power & Light (FPL). Lee Regan, 3207 Anthem Way, did not feel that the citizens were being represented by the Utilities Commission. She voiced concerns over the City Attorney's declaration that if they wished to be represented, the residents might have to support annexation; and she asked the Board to stand by its County residents. 20 May 6, 2008