HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-007RESOLUTION NO. 2013- o0
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA,
STATING ITS POSITION ON THE REFERENDUM QUESTION
RELATING TO THE SALE OF THE CITY OF VERO BEACH
ELECTRIC UTILITY TO FLORIDA POWER & LIGHT
COMPANY, TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS OF THE
CITY OF VERO BEACH ON MARCH 12, 2013
WHEREAS, on November 35 19815 the Florida Public Service Commission approved a
Territorial Agreement between the City of Vero Beach (the "City") and Florida Power & Light
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("FPL") which established electric service areas for the City and FPL in Indian River County.
Specifically, the electric service area for the City was defined to include the City itself, the Town
of Indian River Shores, the south barrier island, and other unincorporated areas of the County,
and the service area for FPL was defined to include all other areas of the County; and
WHEREAS, since 2010, the City and FPL have been engaged in discussions relating to
the sale of the City's electric utility to FPL; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, as the elected representative of all
residents of Indian River County, including, those customers of the City's electric utility whose
residence or business is located outside of the City limits, has consistently supported the sale of
the City's electric utility to FPL, having previously adopted supporting resolutions on three prior
occasions; and
WHEREAS, at a referendum held on November 8, 2011, over 65% of City voters voted
"Yes, for approval" for the leasing of the City power plant to FPL in connection with the sale of
the City's electric utility to FPL, if the City Council finds that such sale is beneficial to the
citizens of Vero Beach; and
WHEREAS, on January 8, 2013, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2013-01 calling
for a second referendum relating to the sale of the electric utility to FPL, to be held on March 12,
2013, submitting the following question to the voters of the City of Vero Beach.
"Don" approve of the sale and disposition of the City of Vero Beach electri
c
utility and substantially all of its assets for the purpose of exiting the electric
utility business under terms substantially similar to the asset purchase and sale
agreement between the City and Florida Power & Light Company?
Yes, for approval
No, for rejection"
WHEREAS, it is clear that the sale of the City's electric utility to FPL will result in
substantial benefits to the residents and businesses of Indian River County, including, (1)
substantial rate savings (in excess of $20 million per year), which will boost economic activity,
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RESOLUTION NO, 2013= 007
economic recovery and economic development throughout the County, (2) future reliable electric
service from FPL, which has consistently been one of the most efficient and well run, and lowest
cost, providers of electricity in the state of Florida, and (3) a reduction in the size, scope and
spending profile of local government in Indian River County; and
WHEREAS, as the elected representative %J all residents %J Indian River County, it is
appropriate for the Board of County Commissioners to state its position on the aforesaid
referendum question,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA THAT:
1. Findings and Position of the Board. The Board of County Commissioners
hereby makes the following findings, and adopts and publishes the following position with
respect to the referendum question relating to the sale of the City of Vero Beach electric utility to
FPL:
a. The Board finds that the sale of the City's electric utility to FPL
will result in substantial rate savings to the residents and businesses of Indian
River County (in excess of $20 million per year), which savings will boost
economic activity, economic recovery and economic development throughout the
County;
b. The Board finds that the sale of the City's electric utility to FPL
will result in future reliable service throughout Indian River County from FPL,
which has consistently been one of the most efficient and well run, and lowest
cost, providers of electricity in the state of Florida;
c. The Board finds that the sale of the City's electric utility to FPL
wI ll result in a reduction in the size, scope and spending profile of local
government in Indian River, and
A
. On the basis of the above findings, the Board determines that the
sale of the City's electric utility to FPL will benefit all residents and businesses of
Indian River County, and supports a Yes, for approval vote on the referendum
question to be submitted on March 12, 2013.
The foregoing resolution was moved for adoption by Commissioner Solari ,and
motion was seconded by Commissioner Flescher and, upon being put to a vote, the vote
was, as follows:
Chairman
Joseph E. Flescher Aye
Vice Chairman Wesley S. Davis Aye
Commissioner Peter D. O'Bryan Ave
Commissioner Bob Solari Ave_
Commissioner Tim Zorc Ave
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RESOLUTION N0.2013-007
ATTEST: Jeffrey R. Smith, Clerk
and �mntroller/i
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, FLORIDA
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By: �
ose h E. Flescher, Chairman 6�r
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BCC adoption date: 02-05-13 �`�� '�
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Approved as to form and legal sufficie4iyRj�aG, . •
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By:
lan S. Pol 'ch, Sr.
ty Attorney
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