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JUN 2 6 1995 BOOK 61 F',i;F349 The Board reviewed the following memos dated 6/21/85 and 6/26/85: TO- Board of County Commissioners FROM: Don C. Scurlock, Jr. Vice Chairman • .w DATE: June 21, 1985 SUBJECT: Optional Gas Tax REFERENCES: FILE: I will not be able to attend the Board of County Commissioners' meeting of June 26, 1985, when, the public hearing is scheduled to consider imposing a gas tax in Indian River County. However, I would like to publicly express my views on this subject and have them read into the record during the hearing. I strongly support the imposition of a two -cent gas tax in Indian River County for the following reasons: 1. Indian River County is faced with a deficit of anticipated revenue when compared to the need for and cost of future road projects. These road projects are inevitable and, if anything, the costs will only increase. I believe the-- ' - County Commission should act responsibly and start the process of meeting this apparent unfunded road need by spreading the burden in the fairest manner possible amongst the broadest base of individuals responsible for requiring the needs for the roads. We are now considering the adoption of an impact fee for new development to help road construction. If a gas tax is not imposed, the impact fees will have to be higher. a It seems only fair to spread the cost of the un -met road needs partially onto the individuals who help create the need but will not be subject to the impact fees, i.e., the tourists and other individuals passing through and using the roads in our community. It is not fair to charge. new development the costs of roads required by tourists and other individuals passing through our County. 2. The gas tax is one of the fairest ways to distribute the costs of the transportation system. Those who use the roads more, thereby causing more wear and tear on the roads, will pay more. 3. I realize there are one or two businessmen in the community who feel that this will hurt their business. However, when one reviews the status of the situation, one has to wonder if this is a valid claim. First, it is recognized that most counties are going to impose a gas tax throughout the State of Florida, including those counties which are the main competitors to the diesel fuel market. There is an even better likelihood that these main competitor counties will impose a greater tax than two cents. If this proves true, we 14