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A proposed expansion of the Indian River County jail to include a 240 person medium security unit (cost estimate: $11 317 000 before operating expenditures) is a necessary project given the continued growth in population. A proposed library branch —with an estimated cost of construction of $6,680,000 Two new fire/paramedic stations -estimated cost to purchase land and build the stations - $3,337,443 Stormwater projects such as those planned for Vero Lake Estates help preserve the Indian River Lagoon by reducing pollution runoff (estimated cost $2,000,000). Many tourists from throughout the world come to Vero Beath specifically to visit our beautiful beaches. Renounshment projects have been proposed to battle erosion problems our area beaches have experienced. Conclusion and Recommendations: It is important to emphasize that these projects will become necessary regardless of whether the Optional Sales Tax is extended. If the Optional Sales Tax is not approved, projects such as those listed above will need to be funded from other sources, which would have a substantial impact on ad valorem (property) taxes. Resolutions supporting an extension of the one -cent sales tax for 15 years have already been adopted by all municipalities within the County (the Cities of Vero Beach, Sebastian and Fellsmere as well as the Towns of Indian River Shores and Orchid). These municipalities also benefit from the tax as they receive a proportionate share of any monies the County receives for their infrastructure needs as well. Given the clear advantages that the Local Option Sales Tax will provide to Indian River County, we recommend that the Board Review the list of proposed capital projects forwarded by the County Administrator to be included in the first five year plan. It must be emphasized again that the schedule is merely preliminary There are many more worthy projects that warrant immediate funding then there will be available dollars for, making any decisions as to their inclusion or exclusion during the first five year period extremely difficult. The list is presented for discussion and input purposes in order to arrive at a final proposal. Approve the creation of an ordinance calling for a countywide referendum during the November General Election, to be held November 5th, 2002 (Staff will be presenting this ordinance for formal approval by the Board in June). Staff also recommends that the Local Option Sales Tax be approved for a period of 16 years Per law the tax must be levied on a calendar year basis, which we propose should begin January 1st, 2004 and end December 31, 2019 (This would avoid gaps from the end of the prior levy -May 31st, 2004, to January 1st, 2005, the beginning of the current one). We believe that this extended period will allow for better long range planning of the County's and its municipalities' capital funding needs. MAY 21, 2002