2020 Property Tax (TRIM) Notice 
The SLC August 2020 Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, also named 'Truth in Millage' (TRIM) Notice, have been distributed.  If you have not received your notice, please contact St. Lucie County (SLC) Property Appraiser's Office at 772-462-1000.  For those property owners within the 3.4-mile Federal Beach Project area, there is a new line item this year described as “SHI Erosion Control” that is in keeping with the So. HI MSTU authorized in December 2019. Column three (3) indicates a tax rate of “0.2131”. This rate was confirmed at a September 10th meeting of the SLC Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), will be finalized at the September 24th, and will be reflected in the November 2020 tax bills. 
It has been confirmed that this new tax is only for “initial project startup costs” such as survey and title work etc. to support the acquisition of the required Construction Easements and NOT any subsequent construction costs. This is supported by the information that the staff outlined and updated August 17th: “The costs of the MSTU may be phased-in, with first-year costs beginning November 2020 only including initial project startup costs and not full-term construction costs.” (Source: SLC-ED https://www.stlucieco.gov/departments-services/a-z/mosquito-control-coastal-management-services/erosion-district/2020-south-hutchinson-island-renourishment-project/south-county-renourishment-project-funding-plan)
Important Note:  Per the County, any reference to “S Hutchinson Island – Beach/Dune Restoration (772-462-3500” (the 2013 Project) will be removed and not included on any November 2020 tax bill.  

B&D Status Update Federal Beach Project - Funding

Remaining to be determined during NEXT year’s budget process (for fiscal year 2021/2022) is the funding solution for the “local share” (costs not funded by either the federal or state government). More specifically, construction costs for the USACE’s “Initial Start” (the first nourishment project), scheduled winter 2021/22. Its completion fulfills requirements for continuing participation within the 50-year federal program. 

The County reminds residents that the Federal 50-year Beach Preservation Program is not yet “locked in” and potentially still at risk of being “lost”.  Federal and State funding is collectively around 63.5%. Also included in the 50-year program is the qualification for any Federal Flood Control and Coastal Emergency (FCCE) funding to protect or repair Federally authorized shore protective works threatened or damaged by coastal storms.  Together both are significant benefits and there are no other government funded programs available on the horizon. 

The “worst case” scenario described by County staff (also within the above “Source: SLC-ED”), indicates 100% of the “local share” (everything NOT funded by either the federal or state governments) be funded by the local So. HI MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit). It outlines an estimated tax rate of “1.2529 Estimated Millage Rate (tentative)” for “six years”.  The PC letter to the County, dated August 11th, (available on the website, B&D Committee) advocates additional County-wide funding. It is our intention to continue to pursue it throughout next year’s budget process. A September 7thletter to the Commissioners (also available on the website, B&D Committee) requests “. . more clarity concerning the annual funding of the “local share” to fulfill the So. SLC Federal Beach Preservation Program.”

We will continue to work closely with and in support of the County’s efforts toward a successful “Initial Start” for this project.  (Further details are provided on the Website pcofhi.com, B&D Committee page.)

FSBPA Convention Underway

This week the FSBPA (Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association https://www.fsbpa.com) Convention was held.  Harvey Alligood joined various presentations virtually during the week.  Presentations will be available to view in 6 weeks on the FSBPA website and a link will also be available on pcofhi.com.  

"PC letters to SLC regarding Federal Beach Project" (2 letters attached)
9/7 Letter_to_slc-so_slc_federal_beach_program.pdf
8/11 Letter to_slc_bocc_Tipton.pdf

The PC brochure describes the functions, make-up and structure of the Council.  If you would like a hard copy, please contact pcofhi@gmail.com. 

August 18, 2020 Meeting SummaryGuest Speaker: Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Governing Board Member South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD).  (website: sfwmd.gov)
Charles Grande introduced and welcomed Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch to the meeting.  The two have worked together over the years on water related issues in the area.
Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch launched into her discussion by explaining the organization’s structure, reporting relationship, and the direction. It is composed of 5 Districts with the South being the oldest. The current problems with Lake O were placed in context by explaining the history of the development in the state since 1923.  (Meeting presentation is available on the PC website, Governmental Affairs Committee.)
SFWMD began a new journey in 2019, when the Governor replaced all of the board members and the current mission was developed.  For the first time “to safeguard and restore South Florida’s water resources” was included in the mission.  Governor DeSantis 2019 Executive Order 19.12 outlines the new strategic plan and is useful to review in order to gain a better understanding of the direction.
The SFWMD projects all tend to be long term efforts and the 3 significant projects were described: the EAA reservoir, C44 reservoir, and C-43 reservoir.  Funding for all of the efforts was also explained and more information is included in the presentation slides, including other major project timelines.  
Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch was asked what we, as interested residents, can do to support water resources efforts.  “Become an advocate!” was the reply.   She further explained the need to build relationships with elected officials, speak out during public meetings and voice what’s important to you.   
Additional questions from participating PC members were discussed, including one on the Lake O height schedule (LORS).   The criteria for determining the level now considers “Human Health & Safety” impacts, along with agricultural needs. The Army Corp manages the Lake level and SFWMD is the local sponsor.
Ms. Thurlow-Lippisch’s enthusiasm and passion are infectious.  We all took away information that we can share with others to support the effort to improve the water quality in our area.