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SEP 18 1986 -7 BOOK 65 Mr. Rankel pointed out that at the present time that escrow account holds more than $25 -million, and asked if some of that money could be spent on the $1.2 million transmission line. Mr. Wheeling stated that it could not have come out of the escrowed account, because the $25 -million is a state-wide figure and most of that money comes from Port Malabar, Charlotte County and LaBelle. He believed that one of the legal requirements is that the money be expended in platted areas where the escrow funds have been collected. He believed that very little of the escrow account has come from Vero Highlands or Vero Shores, but he did not have that data with him tonight. Mr. Rankel estimated that GDU owns about 10 different utilities, and pointed out that when they put out their report, they make them out in one lump sum so that there is no way for the residents to know whether they are making money or losing money on the utility in their area. Director Pinto advised that when GDU comes in with a rate increase request, they will bring in material and figures on this utility only, and Commissioner Lyons asked if those figures would include any escrowed funds associated with this county. Director Pinto explained that the only time a rate base can be reduced is if the money from the corporation is transferred into the utility. That would be a contribution and aid to construction just like an impact fee, and the rate base is reduced by that, but there is very little or none. Chairman Scurlock and Commissioner Lyons felt that we should be tracking this to see if there is any escrowed funds associated with Vero Shores or Vero Highlands. Director Pinto repeated that when the utility files, they submit to the County any contribution of any shape or form, no matter if it is from the escrow fund or a private builder paying into it. That is a contribution and that has to reduce the cost to the customer. 18