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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final August 22, 2024 <br />7. ADJOURNMENT <br />importance of implementing water reuse in neighborhoods to conserve potable water. <br />She emphasized that the water issue extended beyond converting septic systems to <br />sewers, and she was uncertain if adequate preparations were being made to address <br />the challenge of potable water scarcity. <br />Vero Beach resident Thomas Sullivan believed developers coming to the County <br />should pay more than the residents for utility services and impact fees. <br />Indian River Shores Council Member Bob Auwaerter raised concerns about Vero <br />Beach's utility charges, stating that they appear to generate a profit that goes back into <br />the general fund to lower taxes. He mentioned that Vero Beach used a cost allocation <br />method that, based on government accounting standards, seemed to overcharge utility <br />customers in order to reduce real estate taxes. He questioned whether the cost <br />allocation methodology was used and whether general fund expenses were attributed <br />to the Utility Enterprise Fund. He also inquired whether this approach was fair to <br />ratepayers outside of Vero Beach. <br />County Administrator John Titkanich explained to Mr. Auwaerter that the Office of <br />Management and Budget (OMB) allocates costs to each fund to cover the services <br />they receive. For instance, in the case of utilities, all funds contribute their fair share if <br />there's a utility authority with Human Resource or Information Technology <br />departments. The OMB evaluates these costs at the start of the budget cycle and <br />provides the numbers to all departments to ensure everyone pays their fair share. <br />Director Lieske announced that a public hearing notice would be given at the <br />September 10, 2024, BCC meeting to officially adopt the rates on September 24, <br />2024. He mentioned that the website was live, and people could visit to review the full <br />rate study. <br />There being no further business the Chairman adjourned the meeting at 2:25 pm. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 4 <br />