Agenda Item Name:
Title
City of High Springs CRA Extension
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Presenter:
Edgar Campa-Palafox, 352-264-6908
Description:
City of High Springs Community Redevelopment Agency is requesting to extend the CRA plan that is expiring at the end of calendar year 2019. According to the Alachua County Office of Management (OMB) calculations, the CRA demonstrated a reduction of administrative and operating expenses to less than 50% of ad valorem revenues; and continues to make payments to make the trust fund whole from missed payments. Therefore, County staff recommends to provide a 1-year extension per the BoCC motion in October 23, 2018.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve 1-year extension expiring at the end of calendar year 2020.
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Prior Board Motions:
On October 23, 2018, the BoCC approved the following motion: Authorized a one-year extension to allow the CRA to reduce the operations to 50%. If they reach the goal with Mr. Crosby’s approval then authorize an additional one-year extension can be placed on the Consent Agenda.
On November 1, 2016, the BOCC approved the following motion:
1. To approve the CRA plan for 2 years.
2. Reduce the operations and administrative cost to 50% by the time of its next approval.
3. That the Fire Suppression Initiative be a loan program.
4. That capital projects emphasize public infrastructure and services.
On May 24, 2016, the BoCC moved to authorize the County Manager/Attorney to work with the City of High Springs regarding the High Springs CRA with the following points of consideration but not limited to:
1. Repayment Plan to make the CRA whole for missed payments
2. Determine number of years of the CRA in a sunset provision
3. Establishment of a Base Year
4. Establishment of Matching Millage Rate contributions
5. Provide sources of assurances regarding issues raised in the Forensic Audits
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
In FY2019, Alachua County contributed $85,197 to City of High Springs CRA
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Background:
During the July 5, 2016 Special BoCC Meeting, the BoCC accepted the proposed CRA extension interlocal agreement between Alachua County and the City of High Springs. Issues were raised concerning the high percentage of operating expenses (overhead expenses) incurred by the City of High Springs CRA in comparison with other CRA's in the County.
On October 11, 2016, the City of High Springs presented an updated Redevelopment Plan along with more details regarding the concerns raised about the high percentage of operating expenses. The Board requested City of High Springs CRA to present a budget breakdown, providing details of the amount of budget going toward construction projects.
On November 1, 2016, the BoCC approved the CRA plan for two years, with the following conditions: reduce administrative cost to 50% by time of next approval; convert the fire suppression grants into a loan program; and, that capital projects emphasize public infrastructure and services.
During the August 14, 2018 BoCC Regular Meeting, the BoCC discussed the High Springs CRA. In order to obtain more information, the BoCC passed a motion to direct staff perform a review of the High Springs redevelopment plan, and get more information about the elimination of the sidewalk project.