Agenda Item Name:
Title
Septic System Rebate Grant Presentation
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Presenter:
Stacie Greco, 352-264-6829
Description:
Environmental Protection Department (EPD) staff presentation on the Septic System Retrofit Rebate Grant. EPD received a Septic System Retrofit Rebate Grant for up to $250,000 over five years. Approval and signature are needed for the program to begin, along with a resolution to recognize unanticipated revenue, a budget amendment and approval for an interfund loan.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Staff will provide a presentation on our current strategies for reducing pollution from septic systems, including information on this proposed grant funded project. Approve and sign the contract for Septic System Rebate Program, adopt the Resolution to recognize unanticipated revenue for the Grant, approve the attached Budget Amendment and approve an inter-fund loan for $75,000 to get the program started.
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Prior Board Motions:
N/A
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
EPD will provide $10,000 as an in-kind match of staff time to implement this program through 2027. Since the rebates will be for 50% of the costs of the upgrades, residents participating in this program will contribute $250,000 over the life of the program.
The initial interfund loan is requested for $75,000 to get the rebate program started; due to this being a 5-year program an additional interfund loan may be needed in the future not to exceed $250,000.
Revenue: 260.55.5552.334.3000
Expense: 260.55.5552.537.83.81
Project: 3235503 Septic Rebates
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Strategic Guide:
Strategic Guide
Environment
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Background:
Septic Systems are one of the sources contributing 250,000 pounds of nitrogen to waterbodies each year within Alachua County. While the Santa Fe Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) requires nutrient reducing systems for new lots under an acre, there are no regulatory or incentive programs to address the pollution from the estimated 13,300 existing systems within the basin. This project would offer 50% rebates, up to $5,000, to property owners who voluntarily upgrade to Aerobic Treatment Units (ATU) or In-Ground Nutrient Reducing Bioreactors (INRB) with a registered septic installer or licensed plumber within the Santa Fe River BMAP area in Alachua County. The purpose of this rebate is to offset the increased costs of nutrient reducing systems and to increase awareness regarding the role of septic systems and the need to upgrade. At least 50 septic systems would be upgraded during this project and staff would also provide participants with water conservation and septic system maintenance information.