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ANALYSIS BOOK 99 Fxi 156 •Water Line Assessments Coordination & Compatibility of Projects Both the Utilities water line extension project and the Sebastian Highlands Scrub acquisition project are important from an environmental standpoint, and are not incompatible. The water line project extends needed service to lots within the Sebastian Highlands as an improvement to residential potable water quality, and will ultimately promote the County's objectives of conserving ground water quality and quantity in the area. The scrub acquisition project will protect environmentally important habitat and primary aquifer recharge areas, as well as provide passive recreation, open space, and environmental education. County Planning Division and Utilities Department staff have coordinated on the two projects to determine how each project affects the other. Staff came to two main conclusions. The first was that, after review of the water line project design, there is no opportunity to modify any water line segment within the scrub acquisition project, due to the need to service residences in the area. The second conclusion was that the water line assessments would affect lots within the scrub acquisition project, regardless of the timing of the assessment or scrub acquisition. Alternatives There are a number of alternatives relating to the recent Utilities water line assessment, as it affects lots within the Sebastian Highlands Scrub acquisition project. one alternative is for the County not to proceed with the project acquisition. This alternative, however, would leave the lot owners to fend for themselves regarding payment of assessment fees on top of trying to obtain federal permits to build in compliance with .the federal Endangered Species Act. Moreover, it would derail efforts to conserve environmentally important scrub habitat, and development of a Habitat Conservation Plan that the County is working in cooperation with the City of Sebastian. Another alternative is for the County to advise the sellers that they are obligated to pay the assessment as a condition of closing. However, since the assessment equals approximately 178 of the appraised value, the sellers will likely balk and not sell to the County. 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 already 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 cost. In such a scenario, the County would have to find another funding source, such as the general fund. It is 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. •Multiple 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. SEPTEMBER 17, 1996 32