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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final September 24, 2024 <br />10. PUBLIC ITEMS <br />PROOF OF PUBLICATION FOR THESE HEARINGS IS ON FILE IN THE <br />OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD. <br />A. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br />10.A.1. 24-0750 Public Hearing to Revise Utility Services Rate Schedule for the Indian River <br />County Department of Utility Services, IRCDUS Project ID: 00.23.544 <br />Recommended Action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners: 1.• Accept the <br />results of the Stantec reports: - Indian River County Department of Utility <br />Services - Utility Rate Study Final Report; - Indian River County Department of <br />Utility Services - Water and Sewer Impact Fee Study Final Report; and 2. <br />Approve the resolution to adopt the Indian River County Department of Utility <br />Services - Rates, Fees, and Charges Schedule adopting the new utility rates <br />effective January 1, 2025, and forward. <br />Attachments: Staff Report <br />Resolution to revise IRCDUS rate schedule <br />Rates. Fees and Charges Schedule - Exhibit "A" <br />Utility Rate Study Final Report <br />Water and Sewer Impact Fee Study Final Report <br />Director of Utility Services Sean Lieske presented the Board with results from the <br />Utility Rate Study performed by Stantec Consulting Services (Stantec). Using a <br />PowerPoint presentation, Director Lieske provided background on the Utility <br />Services' charge rates, which had not kept pace with inflation and no longer <br />covered operational costs. He illustrated that Utility Services was in a cash flow <br />deficit and was relying on reserves which would be exhausted by 2027. The <br />presentation included community outreach efforts and a letter of support from the <br />Indian River Neighborhood Association (IRNA). Director Lieske reviewed the <br />new rates, as well as updated impact fees which would roll out in two phases: <br />January 2025 and October 2025; the average user could expect a $10, then an <br />additional $7 increase in charges. <br />The Chairman opened the public hearing for comment. <br />Tom Sullivan asked if it was possible to increase the connection fee under Florida <br />Statute 163.31801. Discussion ensued among the Board, staff, and the <br />representative from Stantec. The Chairman thanked Mr. Sullivan for his <br />suggestion. <br />Indian River County Florida Page 11 <br />