04/29/2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

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5 QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM COMMISSIONERS AND COUNCIL MEMBERS In response to questions posed by the Council members , Director Olson, with input from County Administrator Baird, provided the following details : o The City ' s Reverse Osmosis System would be retained . o The cost for the construction piping would be absorbed within the utility system . o The County was not anticipating utility rate increases , nor using a bond for the project . o There will be a 6% equalization charge imposed by the County that would be applied to the County General Fund . o By law, Municipalities may impose a surcharge up to 20% . o Sebastian currently applies a 10 % surcharge . o The County may retain 50% of the City ' s employees , but there may not be positions available for management or plant operator employees . o The County ' s south plant is not currently operating at capacity . o The County could save the City approximately $ 5 million dollars by this merger . o It may take 2 to 3 years to decommission the wastewater treatment plant on 17th Street . o The cost to decommission the plant on 17th Street was not part of the County ' s analysis . The County intends to buy the plant and the land , and if so , they would be responsible for the cost of decommissioning the plant . If the City keeps the land , then the City would be responsible . o The $ 24 million dollar debt would be paid through the ratepayers . o One rate for utilities would be applied to all the ratepayers throughout the County . o The lime - softening plant is located on airport property with an existing lease . The lease would need to be reviewed to determine responsibility for decommissioning the lime - softening system . o The County was looking into grants . Joint Meeting — City of Vero Beach 4 Regionalization water and sewer utilities April 29 , 2011