Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) Referendum

August 26, 2008

 

Background Information:  In 1988 the voters of Flagler County approved an ad valorem tax to acquire environmentally sensitive lands, recreation areas and water recharge areas.  The Environmentally Sensitive Lands (ESL) program referendum was approved by over 70% of the voters.  Shortly thereafter Flagler county began acquiring parks such as Bings Landing (1989), Lake Disston Access (1990), Haw Creek Preserve (1990), Betty Steflik Preserve (1990), and Princess lace Preserve (1993,  1996).  Almost 20 years after the 1988 referendum, the County continues its proactive approach to preservation ensuring that areas of Flagler County will remain untouched for future generations to enjoy.  In order to maximize these funds, Flagler County pursued grant opportunities and partnered with municipalities, the state and federal governments and other preservation groups to subsidize purchases.  For every dollar spent on ESL acquisitions, Flagler County has leveraged approximately #3.15 from alternative funding sources for purchases.

 

Currently, Flagler County owns approximately 4,200 acres of environmentally sensitive lands featuring a diverse portfolio that includes recreational facilities, trails, preserves, critical species habitat, archeological sites, beachfront parks, boat launch facilities, bicycle and pedestrian paths, and greenways.

 

On March 5, 2007 the Board of County Commissioners directed staff to work on a mechanism to replenish the ESL fund and place the item on a 2008 election ballot.

 

Proposal:  The proposed resolution would order a public referendum for t levying of an ad valorem tax for ¼ mill for twenty years.  The targeted voting date is August 26, 2008.  This mill, at a 2.5% growth rate, is estimated to yield approximately $70,000,000.00 (Seventy Million Dollars) over the 20 year period.  Included in the resolution is the flexibility to issue limited tax general obligation bonds for up to $40,000,000.00 (Forty Million Dollars) in one or more series.  Additionally, the County Commission will be limited to not levy in excess of ¼ mill in any year for the aggregate of the millage approved per the 2008 referendum and the millage levied for payment of the debt issued pursuant to Resolution 2002-97.  The current millage levied for the payment of the Resolution 2002-97 debt totals 0.48.14 mills.

 

Also included in the proposed resolution is a provision allowing for up to 10% of funds collected to be used for improvement (trail, parking, pavilion construction, etc.)  and management (controlled burns or removal of exotic/invasive vegetation).

 

Proposed Millage:      .25 per $1,000.00

                                    The cost a $200,000.00 home would be approximately:

                                                    -$  25,000.00 (Homestead)

                                                    -$  25,000.00 (Amendment 1 Homestead)

                                                     $ 150,000.00

                                                       X     .00025

                                                     $          37.50 per year or $3.13 per month.

 

Approximate Revenue Generated: $70,000,000.00 Total or $2.5 to $4.5 Million per year