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optional Sales Tax During the November 2016 general election, 64.35% of Indian River County voters approved the extension of the Optional Sales Tax for an additional fifteen (15) years through December 31, 2034, reflecting voter confidence in how these funds have been administered by the county. This revenue source is a principal funding source for Indian River County capital projects, and, coupled with conservative budgetary practices, allows the county to maintain very low millage rates. As infrastructure must be sized to meet peak seasonal population needs, it is appropriate that this revenue source is paid by both residents and tourists. The Optional Sales Tax (OST) Fund budget is $32,607,236 a decrease of $12.7 million or 28.1 % from the current year. This decrease is due largely to the fluctuation in capital projects from year to year. The largest component of budgeted projects is for road construction. Golf Course The proposed Golf Course budget totals $2,892,007, reflecting an increase of $76,146 or 2.7%. The irrigation system improvements currently underway at the Lakes Golf Course are an important step in the long-term maintenance of the golf facilities. No change in rates is proposed. Building Division Theose ro p p d budget is $3,853,306, reflecting an increase of $282,886 or 7.9%. The Building Division budget includes a Deputy Building Official that is necessary to assist in addressing permit review and customer service, and also to provide additional management redundancy for day to day operations. Staff will continue to explore options to streamline the permitting process and improve the customer experience in this area. One concern noted in recent years is the ability to recruit additional Building Inspector and Plans Examiner positions. That recruitment issue is a common problem statewide and in growing areas nationally. We have successfully used contracted inspectors to keep daily inspections per inspector down to a manageable level and will -continue working to improve customer service through reduced inspector Toads. In addition, implementation of the NeoGov on-line application system in January helped recruit out -of -county applicants that led to two new inspector hires and one new plans examiner hire this spring. Utilities The Utility Services recommended budget is $41,936,341, reflecting an increase of $2,194,932 or 5.5% (page 51). A net of four (4) additional positions at a cost of $245,870 are proposed to improve operations and maintenance of the system. No rate increases.are included in this budget. • 15