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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final October 7, 2025 <br />construction timeline had been extended to 2026-2027. Mr. Benton highlighted <br />concerns surrounding impact fees and discussed a $3.6 million grant from the <br />FDEP aimed at private -side infrastructure within the city. He encouraged staff to <br />explore creative solutions to offset homeowners' impact fees by using connection <br />fees. <br />Clean Water Coalition Representative Judy Orcutt addressed the problem of <br />failing septic systems, noting that 1,000 systems had failed, creating a substantial <br />financial burden on homeowners who lack access to sewer services. She <br />suggested using state revolving funds to switch from septic systems, with <br />repayment handled through property taxes. During her presentation, Ms. Orcutt <br />highlighted a project in Vero Beach that featured a STEP (Septic Tank Effluent <br />Pumping) system. She recognized the efforts of key stakeholders but noted that <br />only 50% of eligible residents had connected due to financial difficulties. She <br />urged increased awareness of assistance programs that could significantly reduce <br />connection costs. <br />The Board and staff discussed waiving assessments and fees for water and sewer <br />connections. Commissioner Moss expressed concerns regarding the potential <br />budgetary impact, and Commissioner Adams sought clarity on the funding <br />implications of waived fees, recommending outreach to homeowners about <br />connection costs before issuing mandatory connection notices. <br />Administrator Titkanich returned the discussion to the list of staff's <br />recommendations, Actions A -K. He noted Action A had been previously <br />completed: <br />A) Development of a mandatory connection policy in compliance with Florida <br />Senate Bill 1632. <br />B) Support negotiated costs under special circumstances. <br />C) Offer a grace period for new homes built with ENR-OSTDS. <br />D) Approve a flat rate or tiered billing for private water supply. <br />E) Waive the requirement to assess property owners the IRC portion of the <br />public infrastructure costs <br />F) Reassess using the optional sales tax (OST) to offset a portion of the customer <br />service cost. <br />G) Waive or reduce certain IRC permit fees related to water and sewer <br />connections. <br />H) Endorse third -party financing programs. <br />1) Authorize the Department of Utility Services to evaluate the development of its <br />own financing options. <br />J) Authorize sending out Mandatory Connection Notices in coordination with <br />Indian River County, Florida Page 19 <br />