Agenda Item Name:
Title
2020 Infrastructure Surtax Discussion
End
Presenter:
James K. Harriott, Jr., P.E.
Deputy County Manager
Description:
Discussion of a 2020 ballot initiative for an infrastructure surtax funding priorities and supporting policy direction.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Discuss priorities and provide direction to staff.
Direct staff to reach out to UF and City of Gainesville counterparts, community stakeholders, and advisory boards to discuss opportunities for a cooperative effort on surtax priorities.
End
Prior Board Motions:
June 27, 2019 - Commissioner Hutchinson moved to refer the Infrastructure Surtax Language on the sheet to staff for review and come back with a preliminary analysis of issues either with the legal issues with the way it is structured and practical issues with the implementation. Addressing the issue of chronic lack of connections to sewer infrastructure and the impacts it has on water quality should be added to the language on the sheet. The preliminary analysis should be brought back within 60 days for the Board’s consideration. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Wheeler out of the room.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
A full cent surtax should generate approximately $23 million/year.
End
Background:
In preparing a response to the June 27, infrastructure surtax motion, staff recognized an overlapping opportunity to address Board priorities related to community resilience and green infrastructure. Related to this, staff were already in the process of reviewing Florida Association of Counties and National Association of Counties guidance on climate change policies including a review of the Southeast Florida Climate Action Plan.
Alachua County’s comprehensive plan policies have related infrastructure implications for community resiliency. Staff will present policy context of the concept projects related to overarching Board priorities. If the Board pursues a green infrastructure surtax, it is recommended that the City of Gainesville and University of Florida be brought into the conversation as soon as possible. Some of the opportunity areas for infrastructure projects cross through political boundaries and will require co-commitment to achieve the greatest possible outcome.