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Sebastian Highlands Scrub Lots Page 6 A third alternative is for the County to pay the assessments with bond funds as a cost of acquisition. Because the water line assessments were recently approved - as the Board Is considering purchase of the Sebastian Highlands Scrub lots - the County has an opportunity to pay the assessments with bond funds as part of acquisition costs. If the Utilities assessment project occurred after the County had alrezdy purchased the lots, the County would still need to pay the assessments, but could not use bond funds because it would not be an acquisition coat. In such a scenario, the County would have to find another funding source, such as the general fund. it in staff's position that the most appropriate alternative is for the County to pay the water line assessments - for these And other lots acquired by the County within the scrub acquisition project - with bond funds, as an acquisition cost, If the County decides to pay the Utilities assessments, it is appropriate and equitable that the County extend assessment payment to other affected lots within the overall acquisition project, including 13 of the 50 AGC lots the County has approved to purchase as phase I of the project. The Utilities assessment for the 13 affected AGC lots totals $20,229.99. q ultipie Benefits Environmental Education As with most of the County's proposed acquisitions, the Sebastian Highlands Scrub purchase will enhance education in the County. with this property, the educational function will consist of nature trails and educational displays for the site. Also, the Environmental Learning Center has expressed an Interest in using the property as a "satellite" location for xeric scrub educational excursions. county staff will coordinate with the School Board, particularly with School Board staff at the Pelican Island Elementary School, concerning school use and access to the property. Comprehensive Plan Acquisition Commitment Conservation Policy 6.2 of the County Comprehensive plan commits the County to acquire a minimum of 50 acres of xeric scrub for conservation purposes. Although this minimum acreage has already been acquired, the Sebastian Nighlands Scrub project contributes to this policy by conserving xeric oak scrub. The project also furthers objectives in the City and County comprehensive plans relating to open apace, aquifer primary recharge area protection, and rare species conservation, RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the purchase contracts for the 47 individual lots as Phase II of the Sebastian Highlands Scrub acquisition project. Staff also recommends that the Board approve County payment, as a cost of land acquisition, of applicable Utilities wator line assessments (including affected AGC lots) with bond funds. In addition, staff recommends that the Board approve exercise of the purchase contracts, and authorize staff to proceed with closing on the lots, -- including submittal of a Project plan amendment to the FCT to fulfill requirements of the PCT cost -share Conceptual Approval Agreement.