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A petition with two-thirds (66.7W) of the benefitted property owners supporting an assessment project may be recommended to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC authorizes Engineering Design and Utility Engineers to estimate each project's cost. Costs may vary from one project to another. Properties are proportionally assessed based on the square footage of property owned. The total square footage of property to be assessed is divided into the estimated project costs, to obtain the rate or estimated assessment costs per square foot. A preliminary assessment roll is prepared and submitted to the BCC for approval and setting a public hearing dated. Notice of a preliminary assessment and public hearing is mailed to property owners by certified mail. This letter also invites property owners to an informal informational meeting. At the informational meeting an overview of the project is explained and questions are invited of the property owners. The assessment manager and project engineer answer questions. The date, time and location of the public hearing is advertised. At the public hearing, property owners who wish may speak in support of or in opposition to the project. After approval of a project at a public hearing, the assessment roll is recorded in the public records. The project is advertised for bidding by utility construction companies. After completion of project construction and acceptance from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), connection to the system is allowed. The final assessment roll and final cost is prepared and submitted to the BCC for approval. Final assessment letters are mailed to property owners. These notices also include ten (10) year payment schedules and explain payment options. Petition forms and supportive information may be obtained by contacting Dan Chastain at Indian River County Utilities Department, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, FL 32960 or by phoning (561) 770-5324. Appointments may be arranged for groups, a given area or homeowners associations, for informational meetings. Safe drinking water and fire protection, like insurance, are only good if you should ever need them. Dependency solely upon shallow wells.can be risky. Water sources are becoming increasingly contaminated by natural and man-made pollutants. Drinking water is being treated by the Indian River County Utilities Department, utilizing the reverse osmosis treatment system to provide a continuous supply of safe, palatable drinking water that is free of contaminants that can cause disease or be toxic to a consumer. The process is capable of desalting, softening, disinfecting, and removing specific organics and contaminants. Indian River County was one of the first counties in the State of Florida to construct and have such drinking water treatment plants in operation. The water is also fluoride treated. The Department of Utility Services for Indian River County has a water system Master Plan, which in phases will be providing water to the areas of greatest need, as required by specific provisions in the County's Comprehensive Plan. WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM Assessment of property owners for a proportionate share of the total cost of the project is based upon the square footage of the area of property owned by you. FEBRUARY 3, 1997 40 BOOK NO PAGE 4 6i