HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-077RESOLUTION 2023-Q77
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
O F INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SUPPORTING AND RECOMMENDING
RETENTION OF THE CURRENT INDEPENDENT SPECIAL DISTRICT
STATUS OF THE INDIAN RIVER MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Indian River Mosquito Control District (District) has existed as an
independent special district since 1925; and
WHEREAS, the climate and habitats within Indian River County (County) produce over
40 species of mosquitos; and
WHEREAS, those mosquitoes can transmit diseases, including West Nile virus, Zika,
dengue, malaria, encephalitis, and chikungunya, which may be extremely harmful to human
health if not addressed promptly and professionally; and
WHEREAS, multiple regions of the County would be virtually uninhabitable if it were
not for the mosquito control activities currently performed by the District; and
WHEREAS, the District has developed considerable and irreplaceable expertise in the
control of arthropods that would have otherwise threatened the health, safety, and welfare of
citizens of Indian River County with a number of mosquito -borne diseases; and
WHEREAS, the control of arthropods is essential to the ongoing economic
development of Indian River County; and
WHEREAS, the mission of the District is to proudly protect our community through
innovative science -based solutions, fiscal responsibility, enhanced customer service and
community engagement, utilize creative approaches to research and technology while
embracing environmental challenges; and
WHEREAS, large amounts of public recreation land exist in the County for the
enjoyment of residents and tourists alike, and the ability to enjoy the use of such lands would be
substantially reduced if effective mosquito control does not continue; and
WHEREAS, the District is an independent special district focused solely on vector and
nuisance mosquito control, while developing and employing cutting edge control methods that
have been founded in science; and
WHEREAS, upon review of the responsibilities and areas of expertise possessed by
both the County the District, it is clear that the continued function of this independent special
district is vital to the prosperity, health, safety and welfare of the County.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Indian River County Board of
County Commissioners that:
1. The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners supports the continued
RESOLUTION 2023- 077
operation of mosquito control efforts under the independent special district known as
the Indian River Mosquito Control District;
2. The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners does not desire to assume
responsibility for mosquito control within Indian River County;
3. The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners does not believe there are
any worthwhile cost savings or economies of scale that would be achieved by the
County taking over the functions of the Indian River Mosquito Control District; and
4. The Indian River County Board of County Commissioners recommends to the
Florida Legislature that the current independent special district status of the Indian
River Mosquito Control District be retained in the Laws of Florida.
5. The Clerk is directed to send this Resolution to the Governor, Senate President,
Speaker of the House and Indian River County Legislative Delegation.
The foregoing Resolution was offered by Commissioner Erman and
seconded by Commissioner F 1 e s ch e r , and, upon being put to a vote, the vote was as
follows:
Chairman Susan Adams AYE
Vice Chairman Joseph E. Flescher
AYE
Commissioner Joseph H. Earman
AYE
Commissioner Deryl Loar
AYE
Commissioner Laura Moss
AYE
The Chairman thereupon declared the Resolution duly passed and adopted this 5t" day of
December, 2023.
Attest:Ryan L. Butler, Clerk of
Court and Comptroller
Approved as to form and legal
sufficiency:
v/". ( " I
'William K. DeBraal
County Attorney