Item L09County of Monroe
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BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Mayor George Neugent, District 2
The Florida. Key
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Mayor Pro Tem David Rice, District 4
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Danny L. Kolhage, District 1
Heather Carruthers, District 3
Sylvia J. Murphy, District 5
County Commission Meeting
April 12, 2017
Agenda Item Number: L.9
Agenda Item Summary #2764
BULK ITEM: No DEPARTMENT: Sustainability
TIME APPROXIMATE: STAFF CONTACT: Rhonda Haag (305) 453 -8774
11:00 a.m.
AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Presentation, discussion and direction regarding the proposed canal
special assessment program for the first six (6) canal demonstration projects.
ITEM BACKGROUND: The presentation will present assessment calculations, assessment
options and financing options for operations and maintenance costs for the first six demonstration
project canals. Government Services Group will lead the presentation.
The Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has previously approved restoration work
totaling approximately $7 million to improve the water quality on the following seven (7) canals as
part of a pilot program to test the efficacy of the technologies: canals 29 (Key Largo); 83 (Rock
Harbor); 266, 277, 287 and 290 (Big Pine Key); and 470/472 (Geiger Key). The objective of the
pilot program was to test the efficacy of four different types of technologies (or combinations
thereof) on the canals (backfilling, organic removal, air curtains, and culverts) and use the improved
canals as a predictor for the cost and water quality gains to be achieved.
Without future operations and maintenance work, any gains accomplished by the restoration work
will slide backwards and be lost, the full value of the restoration work will not be realized, and it will
be impossible to measure the gains of the restoration work. All of the canals, with the exception of
the one canal that used only the backfilling technology (canal 29 in Key Largo), will require future
expenditure of funds to cover operations and maintenance costs.
The property owners on the canals where work was performed have already and will continue to
realize benefits as a result of the restoration work, including but not limited to gains in overall
appearance of their property, increase in property values, and improved use of the canals for fishing,
swimming and other recreational uses. It is therefore appropriate for the County to collect funds to
cover the cost of O &M from the property owners who realize the special benefits of the restoration
work in the form of special assessments, provided the cost is distributed so that they are fairly and
reasonably apportioned to the subject properties.
The County is authorized under Section 125.01(1)(q) to establish municipal service benefit units
within all or any part of the unincorporated county, within which may be provided essential facilities
from funds derived from special assessments on the properties located within the municipal service
benefit unit (MSBU). Canal restoration work falls within the definition of "other essential facilities
and municipal services."
Staff formerly requested approval to move forward with a special assessment program in accordance
with Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes, in order to pay for the O &M work on the canals, which
steps will include a public hearing to approve an ordinance creating the MSBU and presentation of
initial and final assessment resolutions.
Staff anticipates a presentation of an Initial Assessment Resolution in May 2017 and a Final
Assessment Resolution in June 2017, both of which shall delineate more specifically the specific
properties to be levied and the amount of the assessment on each property.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION:
11/14/16: Approval of a resolution directing staff to continue with development of a program to
collect special assessments and the creation of municipal service benefit units (MSBUs) to collect
funds to pay for ongoing operation and maintenance (O &M) costs for existing canal water quality
restoration projects.
12- 14 -16: Public hearing to consider approval of a resolution of Monroe County, Florida electing to
use the uniform method of collecting non -ad valorem special assessments levied within the County
toward the cost of providing Operations and Maintenance costs for canal restoration demonstration
projects on Big Pine Key, Geiger Key and Key Largo; stating a need for such levy; providing for the
mailing of this resolution; and providing for an effective date.
01- 18 -17: Approval of a $28,000 base contract with Government Services Group, Inc., plus two 1-
year options for $5,000 each year, to provide professional services to assist the County in setting up
the special assessment program to fund operations and maintenance of the Canal Restoration
Demonstration Project Canals in Big Pine Key, Geiger Key and Key Largo, with the work to be
performed in FY 2017 for special assessments to be collected beginning in FY 2018.
CONTRACT /AGREEMENT CHANGES:
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
DOCUMENTATION:
MSBU specific rates FINAL
Monroe County Canals Assessment Program Report Final
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Effective Date: April 12, 2017
Expiration Date: N/A
Total Dollar Value of Contract: N/A
Cynthia Hall
Total Cost to County: TBD
Current Year Portion: $0
Budgeted: TBD
Source of Funds: TBD
CPI: N/A
Indirect Costs: N/A
Estimated Ongoing Costs Not Included in above dollar amounts: TBD
Revenue Producing: TBD
If yes, amount:
Grant: N/A
County Match: TBD
Insurance Required: N/A
Pending
Additional Details:
N/A
REVIEWED BY:
Rhonda Haag
Completed
03/27/2017 6:48 PM
Cynthia Hall
Completed
03/27/2017 6:58 PM
Budget and Finance
Completed
03/28/2017 9:42 AM
Maria Slavik
Completed
03/28/2017 10:01 AM
Kathy Peters
Completed
03/28/2017 2:52 PM
Board of County Commissioners
Pending
04/12/2017 9:00 AM
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Monroe County, Florida
Assessment Program to Fund Canal Maintenance Services
MARCH 2017
Presented by:
Government Services Group, Inc.
1500 Mahan Drive, Suite 250
Tallahassee, FL 32308
(850) 681 -3717
(850) 224 -7206 (fax)
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INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... ..............................1
ASSESSMENTPROGRAM .......................................................................................................... ..............................3
IMPLEMENTATION PHASE ...................................................................................................... ............................... 10
Government Services Group, Inc. I i
list of Tables
Table 1 —Canal Restoration Demonstration Projects Capital Costs ................................ ............................... 3
Table 2— Number of Parcels by DOR Code ........................................................................ ............................... 5
Table 3 —Canal Restoration Demonstration Projects Annual Maintenance Costs ......... ............................... 5
Table 4— Number of Platted Lots by Canal ........................................................................ ............................... 6
Table 5— Annual Canal Maintenance Services Assessment Rates ................................ ............................... 7
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Government Services Group, Inc. I ii
ntroduction
Monroe County, Florida (County) has engaged Government Services Group, Inc. (GSG) to assist in
developing and implementing a special assessment program to fund the ongoing canal maintenance
services (Canal Maintenance Services) within the unincorporated areas of the County. The County
intends to collect the assessments pursuant to the uniform method of collection in section 197.3632,
Florida Statutes.
GSG is a consulting firm located in Tallahassee and Orlando that specializes in government finance and
taxation issues by working with cities, counties, special districts, and state agencies, to develop unique
funding and service delivery solutions for critical infrastructure and service needs. GSG has developed
extensive experience in structuring and implementing alternative revenue sources in Florida.
BACKGROUND
There are over 500 residential canals located within the incorporated and unincorporated areas of
Monroe County. Most of the residential canals were constructed in the 1950s by developers who
wanted to meet the demand of waterfront living and who also needed a source of fill material for
construction of residences and businesses and therefore, dredged finger canals throughout the County.
Construction of residential canals was initiated before resource managers fully understood their impacts
on local water quality and the broader coastal ecosystems. Depending upon how much fill material was
required at the time of development, many of the canals were dredged to a depth in excess of 20 feet.
Most canals were designed as long, multi- segmented, dead -end canal networks which maximize
waterfront property but resulted in little or no tidal flushing. Without adequate tidal flushing, the canals
from their onset accumulated oxygen consuming sediments, nutrients and organic matter.
In 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) developed the first Florida Keys
Reasonable Assurance Document ( FKRAD) for the purpose of addressing both anthropogenic nutrient
loading and diminished dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations within the canals. Through the
implementation of the FKRAD prescribed management activities (Wastewater Management, Stormwater
Management, and the adherence to Regulatory Guidelines), it was expected that Monroe County would
not be required to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) to address either the nutrient loading
or diminished DO concentrations in the residential canals.
In the 2011 FKRAD update, the FDEP acknowledged that due to the varying nature of the residential
canals within Monroe County, the actual improvement in water quality from the implementation of the
three above referenced general management activities was unknown. Furthermore, the 2011 FKRAD
stated that it expected that DO concentrations in the residential canals would likely not achieve Class III
Marine Surface Water DO standards even after these management activities, due to the varying nature
of the canals with respect to poor circulation, weed wrack, organic sediments and water depth. As a
result, FDEP stated that it intended to continue to work with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
in the study of potential improvements to the canals beyond the management activities listed above.
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 1
The Water Quality Protection Program Canal Restoration Advisory Subcommittee (WQPP Canal
Subcommittee) determined that the first step to address the water quality problem was to prepare a
Canal Management Master Plan (CMMP) to provide an updated water quality assessment of all
residential canals within the County, develop a methodology to prioritize need for water quality
improvement, and identify appropriate restoration options. Phase 1 of the CMMP, which developed a
management process for addressing the restoration of the residential canals was completed in June
2012 and concentrated on only 23 canals. The objective of Phase 2 of the CMMP was to complete the
CMMP process throughout the County and develop a basic conceptual framework for canal restoration
and management including prioritization and development of feasible strategies to improve water
quality. Phase 2 tasks included the expansion of the GIS canal attribute table, the preparation of a
countywide canal ranking system and development of suitable water quality technologies.
The countywide canal water quality ranking process consisted of the following:
• Completion of a Water Quality Assessment of the approximately 500 canals
• Assignment of a Water Quality Classification of Good, Fair or Poor to each canal
• Ranking Scoring Sheet applied to Poor Water Quality canals to further assist in prioritizing need for
water quality improvement
Upon ranking of the residential canals related to water quality as part of Phase 2 of the CMMP, 171
canals received the ranking of Good, 180 canals received the ranking of Fair, and 131 canals received
the ranking of Poor.
In 2013, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved funding of $5 million for
implementation of a minimum of 5 different restoration technologies throughout unincorporated
Monroe County. The technologies under consideration included:
• Removal of accumulated organics from within canals
• Weed gates, air curtains or other physical barriers to minimize additional organic accumulation in
the canals
• Culvert connections to facilitate flushing
• Pumping systems to facilitate flushing, and
• Backfilling to remove deep stagnant zones.
Ultimately, in 2014, an initial seven canals were selected for restoration, with three major forms of
restoration technology used within the seven demonstration canals. Backfilling restoration consists of
placing truckloads of clean fill to raise the canal bottom to encourage revegetation of sea life.
Installation of concrete culverts that connect sections of the canal system work to enhance the natural
tidal flushing. Organic removal and air curtain installation removes trash and debris which eliminates
hydrogen sulfide odor, improves water clarity and reduces future seaweed entrapment in the canal.
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 2
Table 1 provides the canal location, restoration technology used and capital costs for the seven
demonstration canals.
Table 1
Canal Restoration Demonstration Projects Capital Costsl
Canal Name
Restoration Technology
Restoration Capital Cost
29 Key Largo
Backfilling
$1,360,000
83 Rock Harbor
Organic Removal / Backfilling and Air Curtain
$1,500,000
266 Big Pine Key
Organic Removal and Air Curtain
$1,300,000
277 Big Pine Key
Culvert
$424,000
287 Big Pine Key
Air Curtain
$101,000
290 Big Pine Key
Organic Removal and Air Curtain
$800,641
470/472 Geiger Key
Culvert
$199,000
Source: AMEC
1 Capital Costs as of March 2017
At a November 14, 2016 Special Meeting, the BOCC provided direction on the following funding issues
• RESTORE and Stewardship Act funds will be allocated annually to new canal restoration project
capital costs
• Municipal Service Benefit Units (MSBUs) will be created and special assessments will be imposed
for the annual costs of the operations & maintenance for the demonstration projects
OBJECTIVES
The County retained GSG to develop a special assessment program capable of funding the assessable
costs associated with the Canal Maintenance Services.
The Uniform Method of collection for special assessments pursuant to section 197.3632, Florida
Statutes requires the use of data that is available on the ad valorem tax roll. Accordingly, the challenge
is to develop a non -ad valorem assessment program which employs property information that is readily
available or reasonably should be included and consistently updated on the ad valorem tax roll. To this
end, GSG has been charged to use the County's estimates of the costs of the maintenance services
provided, develop a simple, fair and reasonable apportionment methodology for such assessable costs
and calculate preliminary assessment rates.
The objectives of this effort are to:
• Develop a description of the proposed apportionment methodology.
• Develop the estimated assessable cost calculations for the Canal Maintenance Services.
• Calculate preliminary rates based on the cost estimates for the Canal Maintenance Services.
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 3
STUDY METHODOLOGY
GSG performed the following tasks in accomplishing the project objectives:
• Analyzed the ad valorem tax roll information from the Monroe County Property Appraiser.
• Used the County's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) files, verified all parcels within the each of
the demonstration project areas and confirmed that the affected parcels conform to the
apportionment methodology.
• Coordinated the research to provide data necessary to develop a fair and reasonable apportionment
methodology.
• Calculated preliminary annual assessment rates, based on the estimated assessable costs provided
by the County and the proposed apportionment methodology.
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 4
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ASSESSMENT AREA PROPERTY COMPOSITION
GSG obtained information from the ad valorem tax roll from the Monroe County Property Appraiser's
office and the GIS files from Amec Foster Wheeler (AMEC) to develop the assessment roll for the Canal
Maintenance Assessment Program. The Property Appraiser assigns a four -digit code to classify the use
of the property based on the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) property use codes reflected in Rule
12D- 8.008, Florida Administrative Code. Table 2 provides a listing of the number of parcels for each
DOR property use code within the Assessment Area. Note that the in -kind contributions from Monroe
County exceed the proportion of the estimated project costs that would be attributable to County -owned
property through the Assessment Program, which will therefore, not be assessed.
Table 2
Number of Parcels by DOR Code
DOR
DOR Description
Parcel Count
0000
VACANT RESIDENTIAL
36
0100
SINGLE FAMILY IMPROVED
113
0200
MOBILE HOME
72
0800
MULTI FAMILY (LESS THAN 10 UNITS)
1
1000
VACANT COMMERCIAL
2
8000
VACANT GOVERNMENTAL
4
9900
ACREAGE NON AGRICULTURAL
1
Total
229
Source: 2016 Ad Valorem Tax Roll
PROJECT COST ESTIMATES
Each of the three restoration technologies require a different level of maintenance services. Backfilling
of the canal requires no additional maintenance services. Culvert placement requires minimal
maintenance services. The air curtain installation requires the most costly maintenance services. Table
3 provides the canal location, restoration technology used and annual maintenance costs for the seven
demonstration canals. Note that because there are no maintenance services associated with the
backfilling restoration technology, Canal #29 Key Largo is not included in the assessment program.
Table 3
Canal Restoration Demonstration Projects Annual Maintenance Costs
Canal Restoration Technology 0 &M Costs
83 Rock Harbor Organic Removal /Backfilling and Air Curtain $25,340
266 Big Pine Key Organic Removal and Air Curtain $20,840
287 Big Pine Key Air Curtain $20,840
290 Big Pine Key Organic Removal and Air Curtain $14,855
Subtotal by Air Curtain Technology $81,875
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 5
Canal Restoration Technology 0 &M Costs
277 Big Pine Key Culvert $1,800
470/472 Geiger Key Culvert $1,800
Subtotal by Culvert Technology $3,600
Total $85,475
Source: AMEC
SPECIAL BENEFIT ASSUMPTIONS
The following assumptions and legislative declarations support a finding that the Canal Maintenance
Services confer a special benefit on the assessed parcels, as follows:
• Protecting and enhancingtheir value, use and enjoyment;
• Promoting health, welfare, convenience and safety for all assessed property owners in the
assessment area;
• Stabilization of or the increase of property values;
• Establishing and preserving adequate water access to all properties within the assessment area;
and
• Improved appearance of the assessment area.
The development of the proposed assessment methodology is based upon the assumptions that
appropriate legislative findings are prepared and included in the assessment resolution required to
implement the program.
PROPOSED ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
The proposed assessment methodology for the Canal Maintenance Services is based on the number of
platted lots attributed to each tax parcel. It is fair and reasonable to allocate the costs of the
maintenance services because each lot has the same potential to benefit from the canal maintenance
services. Accordingly, the number of platted lots will serve as an indication of each parcel's share of the
potential benefit from Canal Maintenance Services.
The number of platted lots will serve as the billing units for the Canal Maintenance Services assessment
program as provided in Table 4.
Table 4
Number of Platted Lots by Canal
Canal Name
Number of Platted Lots
83 Rock Harbor
34.33
266 Big Pine Key
44.10
287 Big Pine Key
26.00
290 Big Pine Key
13.00
277 Big Pine Key
44.25
470/472 Geiger Key
58.00
Source: 2016 Ad Valorem Tax Roll and GIs Files
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 6
COMPUTATION OF ASSESSMENTS
PRO FORMA ANNUAL CANAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES ASSESSMENT RATES
The annual assessment for each parcel of property will include its share of the annual maintenance
services costs, and the annual collection cost for the assessments. An amount will also be added to
cover the statutory discount applicable to early payment of ad valorem taxes and special assessments.
Table 5 provides the annual canal maintenance assessment rates per lot for each category of
technology. The rates are based on the following assumptions:
• Total annual maintenance (0 &M) costs are $81,875 and $3,600 respectively for the Air Curtain
Technology and the Culvert Technology.
• Administrative Costs are the costs to reimburse the County for administering the assessment
program and are calculated at five percent of the annual maintenance costs.
• GSG Costs include the costs for the annual maintenance and update of the assessment roll. These
costs are reimbursable through the assessment program and are $5,000.
• Tax Collector costs are the costs for the County to bill and collect the assessments using the tax bills
mailed annually around November 1St by the Monroe County Tax Collector and are $1,000 for any
assessment program with less than 2,000 records.
• Statutory Discount reflects a five percent reserve for the under - collection of assessments due to the
discount on annual property tax bills allowed for property owners that pay prior to March 1St
Table 5
Annual Canal Maintenance Services Assessment Rates
Restoration Technology O &M Costs Admin Costs GSG Costs Tax Collector
Statutory
Total Annual
Annu:
Costs
Discount
Assessment
Assessment /Lc
Air Curtain Technology $81,875 $4,094 $2,673 $535
$4,459
$93,635
$797.3
Culvert Technology $3,600 $180 $2,327 $465
$329
$6,901
$67.4
Source: AMEC, Tax Roll data
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 7
01 111211ra
The following section describes all of the steps required to implement and collect the proposed special
assessments on the ad valorem tax bill in Fiscal Year 2017 -18 and thereafter. The County will be
required to follow the statutory deadlines provided in section 197.3632, Florida Statutes to implement
the special assessments. Following this section is a critical events schedule identifying specific dates for
all significant remaining events for the County to comply with these tasks.
RESOLUTION OF INTENT
To use the tax bill collection process, a local government must follow the strict procedures provided in
section 197.3632, Florida Statutes (Uniform Method). A local government must initiate the process
almost a year before it intends to begin using the Uniform Method to collect the assessments. The
process begins with the passage of a resolution of intent prior to January 1 or, if the property appraiser,
tax collector, and local government agree, March 1. The adoption of a resolution of intent does not
obligate the local government to use the method or to impose a special assessment, but it is a
prerequisite to using the Uniform Method.
The local government must publish notice of its intent to consider a resolution to use the Uniform
Method weekly for four consecutive weeks prior to a public hearing on the matter. If the resolution is
adopted, the governing board must send a copy of it to the property appraiser, the tax collector, and the
Florida Department of Revenue by January 10 or, if the property appraiser, tax collector, and local
government agree, March 10.
The County completed this requirement on December 14, 2016.
ASSESSMENT ORDINANCE
The County will need to adopt an ordinance to establish the assessment process under its home rule
power. The Assessment Ordinance should outline the procedural steps and notifications required to
impose a recurring annual special assessment that is consistent with the Uniform Assessment
Collection Act. The adoption of the Assessment Ordinance will require one public hearing.
The adoption of the Assessment Ordinance is scheduled for May 17, 2017.
INITIAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION
The Initial Assessment Resolution begins the assessment process for a specific project and does not
require a public hearing. However, in this case, the County has chosen to conduct a public hearing on
adoption of the Initial Assessment Resolution.
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 8
The Initial Assessment Resolution must include the following:
• Describes the property to be located within the proposed assessment area;
• Describes the services proposed for funding from proceeds of the assessments;
• Estimates the costs;
• Describes with particularity the proposed method of apportioning the costs among the parcels of
property located within the proposed assessment area, such that the owner of any parcel of property
can objectively determine the number of assessment units and the amount of the assessment;
• Includes specific legislative findings that recognize the fairness provided by the apportionment
methodology;
• Sets a public hearing date for adoption of a Final Assessment Resolution; and
• Directs and authorizes the mailed and published notifications to those property owners included on
an initial assessment roll.
The adoption of the Initial Assessment Resolution is scheduled for May 17, 2017.
NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNERS (MAILED AND PUBLISHED)
The County is required to publish notice of the public hearing and to mail an individual notice to each
property owner. The mailed notice must include the following information:
• The purpose of the assessment;
• The total amount to be levied against the parcel;
• The unit of measurement applied to determine the assessment;
• The number of units contained in the parcel;
• The total revenue to be collected by the assessment;
• A statement that failure to pay the assessment will cause a tax certificate to be issued against the
property, which may result in a loss of title; and
• A statement that all affected property owners have a right to appear at the public hearing and to file
written objections with the County within 20 days of the notice; and the date, time and place of the
public hearing.
The mailed and published notices are scheduled for May 31, 2017.
PUBLIC HEARING AND FINAL ASSESSMENT RESOLUTION
The County is required to hold a public hearing on the Final Assessment Resolution. Immediately
followingthe public hearing, the County may adoptthe Final Assessment Resolution which must:
• Create the assessment area(s);
• Confirm, modify or repeal the Initial Assessment Resolution with such amendments, if any, as may
be deemed appropriate by the Commission;
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 9
• Establish the maximum amount of the assessment for each assessment unit;
• Approve the assessment roll, with such amendments as it deems just and right; and
• Determine the method of collection.
The adoption of the Final Assessment Resolution is scheduled for June 21, 2017.
CERTIFICATION OF THE ASSESSMENT ROLL AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS
The assessment roll must be certified to the Monroe County Tax Collector by September 15, 2017.
Collection of the special assessments and ad valorem taxes begins in November. Failure to pay the
assessments and taxes result in the issuance of a tax certificate and may result in the sale of a tax
deed.
Any minor modifications, corrections or errors must be made in accordance with the procedure
applicable to the correction of errors on the tax roll, upon written direction from the County to the
Monroe County Tax Collector.
The Fiscal Year 2017 -18 Assessment Roll will be certified by September 15, 2017.
CRITICAL EVENTS SCHEDULE
The schedule below provides a detailed review of the remaining critical events schedule:
Event
Date
BOCC Presentation on Assessment Method ology& Rates (if necessary)
April 12, 2017
BOCCapprovalto advertise Home RuleOrdinance
April 12, 2017
County advertises Public Hearingto adopt Ordinance (County requires 30 days)
By April 26, 2017
Public Hearing/Home Rule Ordinance and Initial Assessment Resolution Adopted
May17, 2017
Publication Deadlinefor Notice ofPublicHearingre: Final Resolution
By May 31, 2017
Mail Notices To Affected Property0wners
ByMay31, 2017
Public Hearingto Adopt Final Assessment Resolution
June 21, 2017
GSG certifies assessment roll to Tax Collector
By September 15, 2017
Government Services Group, Inc. 1 10
4/11/2017
1. Restore canals to meet State water quality standards
2. Able to fish and swim in canals again.
3. Protect human health and natural resources - Canals that
don't flush and have rotting seaweed may contain bacteria,
viruses and noxious hydrogen sulfide and methane gases
4. Reduced smell in the canals — clearer water — more fish,
seagrass and other marine life.
5. Provide private- sector construction jobs for restoration and
O &M
6. Ensure continued vibrancy of the $1.36 marine -based
tourism industry of the Florida Keys. Tourists want clean
water on rental housing & to use nearshore waters for water
sports
7. Avoid potential regulatory TMDL mandates.
1
Canal 2g - BackfilIing
Sexton Cove, Key Largo
Canal 266 - Organic Removal /Air Curtain
Canal 290 — Organic Removal and Air Curtai
between Avenues I & J, Big Pine Key
1 T AIK LVKIAIR NVVTC1
TO
Canal w
Canal 287 Air Curtain
Atlantic Estates, Big Pine Key
Before
�$
After
After
_ -- ' �.,
1: is
Y
h qq
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n
1 T AIK LVKIAIR NVVTC1
TO
Canal w
Canal 287 Air Curtain
Atlantic Estates, Big Pine Key
Before
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After
After
_ -- ' �.,
Canals 277- Culvert
Watson Blvd, Big Pine Key
Canal 472 - Culvert
Geiger Key
in
4/11/2017
ff
2 year demonstration canal pre and post monitoring program
$300,00o Grant to FIU - Funds expire September 2017
FIU final report for demonstration projects due in fall
2. Initial trends
• Showing positive results for projects, especially the culverts and
backfilling projects.
• The organic removal and air curtain projects may require additional
restoration technologies to provide i00% restoration.
3. FDEP
• Regulatory monitoring - DEP presentation today
• Canal Monitoring - coordinating with County on implementing a water
quality monitoring program for future canal projects after EPA funds
expire
per lot cost of O &M and the MSBU anticipated to reduce. '
B. Operations and Maintenance (O &M) - includes electricity, repairs,
maintenance, and equipment replacement costs based on to year
life cycle.
C. MSBU - Assessment includes O &M Costs plus other County costs
such as tax collector, admin fees, assessment collector, etc.
D. Homeowners not responsible for O &M activities
• Lot owners adjacent to the canal all pay an equal amount per lot
• Homeowners can enjoy their newly improved canal without doing the
repairs themselves or collecting funds from volunteers
• County preserves its capital investment
5
Canal 266 Organic Removal and Air CUrt(IRn
Dr's Arm, Big Pine Key
litters Lane
ILA
Canal 287 Air Curtain
Tropical Estates, Big Pine Key
'il 4 .
Canal 290 Organic Removal and Air Curtain
Avenue f, Big Pine Key
Avenue J
IF ,
Canal 83 Organic Removal, Backfilling and Air
Curtain - Rock Harbor, Key Largo
r°
�
4
s mt`
�a 7.
Canal 277 Culvert
Big Pine Key
Canals 472/470 Culvert
Mars & Venus Lanes, Geiger Key
AV
Canals 472/470 Culvert
Mars & Venus Lanes, Geiger Key
4/11/2017
y
A. Homeowners pay 100% of the O &M under MSBU assessment
beginning November 2017. County pays $0.
C. Cap the assessments at $200 annual. County pays $70,149 /year
E. Delay assessment 1 year only. County pays $85,475 1 year only
• FIU completes canal monitoring and final report, the technologies'
effectiveness is evaluated
• Staff researches options to lower the costs of the O &M
• Residents pay 100% O &M beginning November 2018, $ TBD
F. County transfers O &M responsibility to homeowners, they collect
their own funds and provide their own O &M. County pays $0
G. No O &M performed. County pays $0 and removes the air curtains.
Possibly maintain the 2 culverts.
t8
9
Continue to GSG Presentation
B. Cap the assessment at 50% annual. County pays $50,268 /year
4/11/2017
IJCIdy dJJC»IIICIIL 1 yCdl VIII-f. %.LPulIny Nays ,?W a,-+i.J L ycaI
only
• FIU completes canal monitoring and final report,
the technologies' effectiveness is evaluated
• Staff researches options to lower the costs of the
O &M. New amount to be determined.
• Residents pay 100% O &M beginning November
2018
END
10
4/11/2017
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4/11/2017
Monroe County, Florida
Assessment Program to Fund
Canal Maintenance Services
April 12, 2017
S I G Government Services Group, Inc.
www. WeServeGovernments. com
Outline of Presentation
rww.
• Scope of Services
• Demonstration Projects Technologies that require
0 &M
• Capital and Operations & Maintenance Costs
• Assessment Methodology
• Assessment Costs
• Assessment Rates
• Next Steps
1
4/11/2017
www.
Scope of Services
GSG engaged to assist the County in developing and
implementing a special assessment program to fund
the ongoing canal operations and maintenance (0 &M)
services within the six (6) Demonstration Projects that
require ongoing 0 &M
(Note: Canal #29 Key Largo Backfilling, does not
require 0 &M and therefore will not be included in the
assessment program)
Demonstration Projects Technologies
Canal
Restoration Technology
29 KEY LARGO"
Backfilling
83 ROCK HARBOR
Organic Removal /Backfilling and Air Curtain
266 BIG PINE KEY
Organic Removal and Air Curtain
287 BIG PINE KEY
Air Curtain
290 BIG PINE KEY
Organic Removal and Air Curtain
277 BIG PINE KEY
Culvert
470/472 GEIGER KEY
Culvert
" Canal 29 does not require 0 &M; will not be included in assessment
program
a
2
4/11/2017
WWW.
Assessment Methodology
• Special benefit assumptions
— Protecting and enhancing the property's value, use and enjoyment;
— Promoting health, welfare, convenience and safety for all assessed
property owners in the assessment area;
— Stabilization of or the increase of property values;
— Establishing and preserving adequate water access to all properties
within the assessment area;
— Improved appearance of the assessment area; and
— Improved water quality in the canal
• Based on the number of platted lots attributable to
each tax parcel
6
3
WWW.Weserve
Costs: Capital and Operations
&
Maintenance
Canal Restoration Technology
capital Costa Maintenance Costa
29 KEY LARGO Backfllling
$1,360,000
$0
83 ROCK HARBOR Organic Removal /Backfilling and Air Curtain
$1,500,000
$25,340
266 BIG PINE KEY Organic Removal and Air Curtain
$1,300,000
$20,840
287 BIG PINE KEY Air Curtain
$101,000
$20,840
290 BIG PINE KEY Organic Removal and Air Curtain
$800,641
$14.855
277 BIG PINE KEY Culvert
$424.000
$1,800
470/472 GEIGER KEY Culvert
$199,000
$1800
Total
$5.684,641
$85.475
5
WWW.
Assessment Methodology
• Special benefit assumptions
— Protecting and enhancing the property's value, use and enjoyment;
— Promoting health, welfare, convenience and safety for all assessed
property owners in the assessment area;
— Stabilization of or the increase of property values;
— Establishing and preserving adequate water access to all properties
within the assessment area;
— Improved appearance of the assessment area; and
— Improved water quality in the canal
• Based on the number of platted lots attributable to
each tax parcel
6
3
4/11/2017
Assessment Costs
WWW.
• Total annual maintenance (0 &M) costs for the 6 projects with 0 &M costs:
— $81,875 for the Air Curtain Technology
— $3,600 for the Culvert Technology.
• Administrative Costs are the costs to reimburse the County for administering
the assessment program and are calculated at five percent of the annual
maintenance costs.
• GSG Costs include the costs for the annual maintenance and update of the
assessment roll. These costs are reimbursable through the assessment
program and are $5,000.
• Tax Collector costs are the costs for the County to bill and collect the
assessments using the tax bills mailed annually around November 1St by the
Monroe County Tax Collector and are $1,000 for any assessment program with
less than 2,000 records.
• Statutory Discount reflects a five percent reserve for the under - collection of
assessments due to the discount on annual property tax bills allowed for
property owners that pay prior to March 1St
E
WWW.Weserve
Assessment Methodology -
Platted
Lots Per Canal
Number of Platted
Canal
Restoration TechnoloaY
Lots
83 ROCK HARBOR
Organic Removal /Backfilling and Air Curtain
34.33
266 BIG PINE KEY
Organic Removal and Air Curtain
44.10
287 BIG PINE KEY
Air Curtain
26.00
290 BIG PINE KEY
Organic Removal and Air Curtain
13.00
277 BIG PINE KEY
Culvert
44.25
470/472 GEIGER KEY
Culvert
58.00
7
Assessment Costs
WWW.
• Total annual maintenance (0 &M) costs for the 6 projects with 0 &M costs:
— $81,875 for the Air Curtain Technology
— $3,600 for the Culvert Technology.
• Administrative Costs are the costs to reimburse the County for administering
the assessment program and are calculated at five percent of the annual
maintenance costs.
• GSG Costs include the costs for the annual maintenance and update of the
assessment roll. These costs are reimbursable through the assessment
program and are $5,000.
• Tax Collector costs are the costs for the County to bill and collect the
assessments using the tax bills mailed annually around November 1St by the
Monroe County Tax Collector and are $1,000 for any assessment program with
less than 2,000 records.
• Statutory Discount reflects a five percent reserve for the under - collection of
assessments due to the discount on annual property tax bills allowed for
property owners that pay prior to March 1St
E
4/11/2017
5
www.weServs
Assessment Rates for the Six Canals
www. waserve
Rates
Total
0100% Of
08M Admin OSO Tax Collector Ststutory Total Annual Assessed Costs Annual
Restoration Technoogy Costs Costs @5% Costs @$Sk Costs @ $ik Discount 05% Asswmsnt Lob
Assmt/Lot
Air Curtain Technology $81,875 $4,094 $2,673 $535 $4,459 $93,635 117.43
$797.37
Culvert Technology $3,600 $180 $2,327 $465 $329 $6.901 102.25
$67.49
9
5
www. waserve
Alternative
Assessment
Rates
for the
Six Canals
Rates
Rates
Rates
Rant
Total 0100% of costs
050% of costs
@Annual 00% Of Costs
03M AssessedAnnual
Assmt of $200
Annual
Restoration Technology
costs Lots Assmt/Wt
Z :
AeamVLot
ca0 /Lot
AssmVLOt
Air Curtain TechnoloV $81,875 117.43 $797.37
$398.68
$200.00
$0.00
Culvert Technolop $3.600
102.25 $67.49
$33.75
$67.49
$000
County Contribution Required
$0
$50,268
$70,149
$85.475
10
5
4/11/2017
www.
Next Steps
Assessment Ordinance
Initial Assessment Resolution
Mailed Notices to Property Owners
Public Hearing to Adopt Rates
Assessment Roll Certified
Tax Bills Mailed
May 17, 2017
May 17, 2017
May 31, 2017
June 21, 2017
September 15, 2017
November 2017
11
9