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Commissioner Solari mentioned that the City charges its customers a 10% franchise fee <br />in addition to the County's surcharge. <br />A brief discussion followed, with input from County Administrator Baird, about the <br />franchise fees that the County is allowed to impose. <br />(Clerk's Note: The 6% equalization fee is not a franchise fee). <br />Commissioners Davis, Flescher, Solari and Zorc voiced support for the elimination of <br />the 6% surcharge on City residents. They felt the charge was no longer defensible and that it <br />poses an additional burden on the residents who must also pay the City's 10% franchise fee. <br />Chairman O'Bryan advocated maintaining the surcharge, in order to avoid creating a <br />situation where some customers pay less than others for water. He stressed that the City's fee is <br />a matter between the City and its customers, and that a lot of money is spent out of the General <br />Fund for Sebastian residents. <br />MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Solari, <br />SECONDED by Commissioner Flescher for discussion, to <br />approve Resolution 2014-020, eliminating the rate <br />equalization charge of 6% for non -unincorporated area <br />customers established per Resolution 95-16; and <br />establishing an effective date for the elimination of the <br />rate equalization charge. <br />Further debate ensued among the Commissioners on whether the equalization fee was <br />still warranted and fair. <br />Chairman O'Bryan reiterated his support for maintaining the charge. <br />March 4, 2014 24 <br />