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Ms. Corrente responded that there are 14 customers with significant <br /> amounts of reserves. The total charges being carried on those accounts <br /> total about $2.9 million, of which $1.7 million was service availability and <br /> regular charges, and the remaining $1.2 million was in penalties. She said <br /> staff had been in communication with some of the owners, and gave <br /> examples of why some owners would have no interest in participating in <br /> the amnesty program. <br /> Administrator Baird informed the Board that of the $2.9 million, one <br /> owner is in litigation with the County for approximately $1.1 million, and <br /> about$680,000 in penalties. <br /> Chairman Davis wanted to find an efficient way to remedy the situation, <br /> and questioned whether the Board needed to go through the process of <br /> advertising and holding a meeting every time the Board wished to waive <br /> penalties. He felt there needed to be a mechanism to pull the properties <br /> back in to make them productive. <br /> Management and Budget Director Jason Brown said he understood the <br /> rationale for today's amnesty, but cautioned against an ongoing open <br /> policy amnesty program. <br /> Discussion ensued as the Board discussed the results of the recession, <br /> moving forward for the purpose of economic development, the system <br /> needing discipline, current policies, the consideration of a timed <br /> mechanism concept, and the option of a payment plan. <br /> Commissioner O'Bryan felt staff did a better job this time notifying the <br /> account holders and creating a sense of urgency for the short window of <br /> opportunity. He understood the Chairman's desire to waive the penalties <br /> and interest, and moving the properties forward, but felt the 250 customers <br /> with reserve accounts who have been paying, might quit if every time <br /> someone comes before the Board they receive amnesty. He was supportive <br /> of the Ordinance as presented, and giving it one more approval, but going <br /> forward, he would not support a full amnesty. He suggested staff look at a <br /> cap or percentage of their original charge, which might make it more <br /> palatable, but continue to have liens and charges accruing to a point. <br /> Ms. Corrente said most of the customers who took advantage of the <br /> Amnesty Program, especially the second one, were customers that staff had <br /> been working with. She conveyed that some customers were getting <br /> somewhat behind and struggling to keep up, but it was not as if they were <br /> ignoring their obligation to the utility, they were making an effort, and the <br /> longer window helped them find other ways to finance getting caught up <br /> and back on track. She pointed out that some customers were working <br /> with conglomerate development companies, whereby Indian River County <br /> is just one little dot on their big picture, so for them to get a significant <br /> Special Call Meeting Page 3 <br /> July 24,2015 <br />