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Vol. 2 No. 4 Official City of Sebastian
Fiscal Year 2002 Proposed Budged
On August 15th, the Fiscal Year 2002 Proposed Budget was submitted
to your City Council for review and consideration. Last year, the City
Council authorized a slight reduction in the t~x rate of .11% and this year
the Council will be considering a much larger reduction in the tax rate
of 8.92%. This has been made possible with a 16.9% increase in real
property values throughout the City as well as forecasted revenues has
increased due to the City's growth. Following is a chart illustrating the
decrease in the tax rate:
FY 2001 FY 2002 FY 2002
Millage Current Rolled Recommended Percent
Category Millage Back Rate Millage Change
City Operating 5.0000 4.5904 4.5904 (8.92)
The municipal services traditional to the residents of Sebastian are
Police Services, Public Works, Recreation, Streets, and Grounds
Maintenance and are paid for from the property taxes levied. In fiscal
year 2002, the proposed property t~LX rate will represent 20.9% of your
total teu~ bill which is a decrease of 3.2% from the prior year of 21.6%. The
balance of your tax bill, or 79.1 goes toward the schools, county services
(including fire rescue and other emergency services), and the special
teLxing districts. The following chart provides distribution of the tax bill
for ad valorem taxes in Sebastian:
Taxing Authority
Indian River County: General Fund
Emergency Medical Services
Land Bonds
TOTAL TO INDIAN RIVER COUNT~
School District of Indian River County:
General Fund
1991 Bonds
1993 Bonde
TOTAL TO SCHOOL DISTRICT:
St. John's River Water Manegamant District
Florida Inland Navigation District
Mosquito Control District
Indian River Hospital District
Sebastian Inlet
TOTAL TO SPECIAL DISTRICTS:
CITY OF SEBASTIAN:
TOTAL PROPERTY TAX BILL:
FY2002
Proposed Percentage of
Millage Rate Total Tax Bill
4.06590 18.5
2.36600 10.8
0.19470 0.9
6.62660 30.2
8.40200 38.3
0.09000 0.4
0.59000 2.7
9.08200 41.4
0.46200 2.1
0.03860 0.2
0.26380 1.2
0.71997 3.3
0.14260 0.7
1.62697 7.5
4.59040 20.9
21.92597 100.00
The recommended reduction in general operating millage does not
mean a reduction in the delivery of services and programs. In fact,
numerous accomplishments are anticipated, as the Sebastian Management
Team looks forward to implementing the various goals and objectives in
the upcoming fiscal year.
Budget Highlights
A review of the current Fiscal Year 2001 budget highlights confirms
that a budget is a planning document recommending the allocation of
resources that outlines and ultimately will accomplish a municipality's
goals and vision. Over 90% percent of the budget tasks outlined in the
Highlights section of the current budget have been accomplished with
still two months remaining in the fiscal year. The Proposed Fiscal Year
2002 Budget will not depart from the current goals and direction of the
City and we will stay the course by undertaking the following programs,
projects and activities:
Quarterly Newsletter Summer zoo~
GOALS
1) An efficient, user-friendly government;
2) Commitment to the future - proactive planning for growth
management, technological advances and sound economic
development policies;
3) Proactively address issues that will positively impact quality
of life;
4) Promote enviromnental conservation;
5) Implement citywide infrastructure improvement initiatives.
· Expand School Resource Officer program to cover both Sebastian
Elementary Schools - via partnership with the School District
of Indian River County;
· Expand and further implement Sidewalk Installation Program;
· Acquisition of additional riverfrent property to expand passive
park recreational opportunities along Indian River Drive - via
partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection's
Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP);
· Initiate plans and pursue funding to construct the Filbert Street
Passive Park;
· Continue expanding city-wide pm'k improvement program;
· Work with Paul Tischler and Associates to compile a prototype
fiscal impact analysis to ultimately establish a policy regarding
future annexation and other long term growth management
and financial recommendations;
· Initiate Interior Restoration Program for Old Sebastian
Elementary Schoal/City Hall - in partnership with the State of
Florida Bureau of Historic Preservation;
· Initiate Space Analysis Program to outline future municipal
facility needs in the City of Sebastian;
· Acceptance and approval of the Sebastian Municipal Airport
Master Plan;
· Continue capital improvements at Sebastian Municipal Airport
- in partnership with the Florida Department of Transportatian
(FDOT) Aviation Section and ultimately with the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA);
· Grand Reopening of Sebastian Municipal Golf Course;
· Finalize traffic light infrastructure improvements at the Barber
Street and Schumann Drive Intorsection;
· Work closely with FDOT on US 1 road resurfacing, enhancement
and beautification program;
· Work closely with the Boys and Girls Club of Indian River
County to initiate plans for the construction of an indoor youth
recreational facility in Sebastian;
· Continue working closely with Indian River County Department
of Utilities to implement Water Expansion Program;
· Continue working with Camp, Dresse~; McKee to compile the
Sebastian Stormwater Management Plan - via partnership with
the St. John's River Water Management District.
HIGHLIGHTS
With these costs in mind, the highlights of the Fiscal Year
2002 Proposed Budget are as follows:
· Continue capital outlay funding for maintenance and repair of
city facilities;
· Establishment of Sebastian Stormwater Utility and respective
planning niitiatives;
· Initiate collection of Parks and Recreation Impact Fees, resulting
from new construction activity;
· Continuation of Street Resurfacing Program;
· Initiate master plans with City Council for
1) United States Highway One (US 1) Commercial District
2) Indian River Drive, and 3) County Road 512 Corridor;
· Continue successful grantsmanship program;
· Continue Riverview Park Expansion Program.
(Continued on page 2)
Budget Highlights
(Continued from page 1)
In summary, this budget reflects
community values, goals, objectives and ideas.
The Proposed Fiscal Year 2002 Budget
represents the character of a city whose
unique identity distinguishes itself from
other geograph/c areas of both Indian River
County and throughout the Treasure Coast.
Total local millage has significantly
decreased, with no increase in operating
millage and General Fund expenditures in
real dollars. Total appropriation for all funds
is recommended to be $15,001,628, a total
decrease of $2,431,921, or 13.95%, less than~
the Fiscal year 2001 Amended Budget. As
such, the overall Fiscal year 2002 Proposed
Budget is financially sound and delivers
services our residents have come to expect.
Additional revenues are anticipated to fund
various capital improvements, i.e. state and
federal grants, interlocal sources from the
County, etc., and other grants from various
taxing authorities to offset the full cost of
the improvements. The Fiscal Year 2000
continues to, support the City's good financial
condition further expands our beautification
efforts, enhance and preserve our
community's small town atmosphere
encourages parks and other conservation
efforts, and support the expansion of
public/private partnerships as well as
economic development.
To learn more about the City of Sebastian
Fiscal Year 2002 Proposed Budget, feel free
to visit the City Manager's Office in City
Hall, as more information can be provided
regarding comparative trends, analyses,
departmental programs and functions.
As part of a continuing effort to
communicate the City Government to the
Residents of Sebastian, we have put together
a synopsis of the funding for the City and
what the funds are spent on.
Have you ever wondered where the city
gets its money, or what it does with the
money it gets from you?
Out of each dollar the City collects:
g' 42 cents from tax equivalents and state
shared revenue
g' 24 cents from taxes you pay
~* 15 cents from utility taxes/franchise fees
g' 6 cents from other sources
~/ 5 cents from interest, rents, etc.
g' 4 cents from licenses and permits
~' 2 cents from charges for services
~ ! cent from fines and forfeits
Out of each dollar the City spends:
g' 29 cents for public safety and building
inspection
~' 28 cents for streets, drainage, engineering,
& projects
g* 13 cents for parks & rec. and cemetery
~/ 11 cents for finance and administrative
g' 10 cents for general government
g' 5 cents for debt service
~' 3 cents for garage and building
~' 2 cents for growth management services
City of Sebastian Stormwater Utility
What Problems Does Stormwater Cause?
Flooding. Our heavy rains cause flooding in many areas of Sebastian. The combination
of fiat terrain and limited natural drainage features results in flooded streets and yards. In
past years, some of these problems have been reduced, but many trouble spots still remain.
Pollution. Stormwatar runoff picks up contaminants and debris from streets, parking
lots, and driveways and carries them into our ponds, lakes, canals, Indian River Lagoon, St.
Sebastian River, and our underground aquifer. We need better pollutian control and treatment
to reduce this contamination.
What Is A Storwater Utility?
A Stormwater Utility is a special purpose service unit within City Government that
provides stormwater management. Like other utilities, watei; wastewater, electric, etc., the
Stormwater Utility charges service fees. These fees are used for construction, maintenance
and operation of stermwater management devices, for stermwater system planning, and for
pond, canal and lake management.
Where Does The Money Come From?
, The utility generates its revenue through user fees. These fees are based on the amount of
stermwater runoff the property you own passes to the total stormwater system. The more
runoffyanr property contributes, the greater the fee. All land is subject to the stermwater fee.
Shigle-farchly homes wili have an annual fiat (or base) fee of no more than $48.00, vacant
property owners will have a percentage of the single-family base fee. All other parcels will have
fees subject to a square-footage multiplier or impervious surfaces, such as rooftops, driveways,
parking lots, and streets and is based upon the annual base fee for single-family homes.
What Kind Of Benefits & Improvements Will We See?
· Less street and property flooding · Cleaner water in our ponds, lakes,
· Improved maintenance of drainage canals, and aquifer
facilities ° Enhaneed quahty of life
Why Should I Pay? I Don't Have A Flooding Problem.
You may not have a problem on your proper~y or in your neighborhood, but the runoff
from your property contributes to the City's overall storrnwater system. Everyone who lives
in Sebastian benefits when stormwater problems are well-managed. We all suffer ff these
problems persist.
What Is The City Doing About These Problenm?
The City has odopted an aggressive program of stormwater system repair, replacement
and retrofitting, pollution control, and lake and canal enhancement. This program has been
funded in the past hi part through the City's general property tax budget and the penny
sales tax, however, these sources are no longer adequate or dependable for the massive job
that lies ahead. The City's average cost per capita over the last five years in stormwater
maintenance is $137. The revenue generated from the fee is not designed to recover the full
cost of stormwater maintenance, however, these funds will allow the City to get out in front
of expenses coming on line and allow improvements to the system that should reduce these
maintenance costs in the long run. Instead of basing charges for stermwater on the value
of the property from which it came, the City needs a dependsble source of funds for stermwa~er
management that is based on he amount of runoffcomhig from a parcel into the stermwater
system as a whole. To achieve our goals of reducing pollution and minimize flooding, the
City is creating a Stermwatar Utility.
A History Of Lawsuits Lead To Stormwater Utility Proposal
The Sebastian section of F]arida Today newspaper had an article on July 20th that carried
a seemingly harmless headline -- "Group threatens suit over water standards.' In truth,
the heedline reflects just the latest salvo in a long-running legal battle that has led the City
to propose that a stormwater utility be established in Sebastian.
When the Clean Water Act was passed by Congress in 1972, authority for enforcement
of this landmark legislation was given to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In the early years EPA focused exclusively on direct polluters of the nations waters, envisioning
the classic image of a factory pipe dumping polluted water into an adjoining river. The
sediment and chemical laden stormwater generated from rainfall was considered a natural
occurrence and EPA did not regulate this as "pollution".
In the decades since the Clean Water Act, an assortment of environmental groups have
sued EPA alleging that the agency was falling to fulfill its duties in regulating water pollution.
One key issue was the claim by these groups that stormwater, also called nonpeint source
discharges, was required to meet Clean Water Act standards. The Courts agreed with this
contention, and eventually the Act was amended to clarify that water-quality standards for
stormwater must be established.
Florida, being surrounded by, and at times covered with, water has been a national focal
point in this regulatory effort. In 1998 a coahtion of environmental groups called Earth
Justice sued the EPA claiming that the water quality standards for stormwater were not
being put into place fast enough in the state of Flotidm The groups reached a court settlement
that included a detailed schedule of how and when these standards would be established and
followed in Florida. Under this schedule, standards for smaller cities such as Sebastian would
be established by 2003, and the city would be required to meet these water-quahty standards
within five years. (Continued on page 3)
A History of Lawsuits
(Continued from page 2)
The EPA war also required to designate
certain waterways ar "impaired" by pollution
and make water-quality standards stricter
for cities discharging stermwater into these
waterwa.vs. Both the Indian iTlver Lagoon in
the area of Sebartian and the St Sebartian
River system have been designated ar
"impaired". From preliminary analysis of the
City's stermwater system, which har very
httle in the way of water filtratlan, the
regulatory agencies have noted that there is
little doubt that the City wilt fail far short of
the water-quahty standards that are under
consideration, and a lot of wark will be
required.
The state bar established grant programs
to help smaller communities fund the projects
that will be needed to meet the water-quality
standards. However, they have made it a
condition of receiving state funds that the
City establish a funding source dedicated
exclusively to stermwater expenses. The most
common and least complicated way to do this
is by establishing a stermwater utility ar
authorized by state law, which the City is
proposing for the coming year.
There is a lot of work ahead. The Florida
Today article gives further warning, however,
because the same groups that forced EPA to
establish standards are claiming that the
standards under consideration, especially
those for the Indian Paver that the City must
follow, are not strict enough. The rules haven't
even been set and there is already a lawsuit
in the works to make them tougher.
Golf Course Renovation Update
The Sebastian Golf Course renovation is directly on schedule. After slightly over two
months of time, several key projects have been completed. All of tbs greens have been
sprigged or grarsed. Over the next few weeks, the sprigs will grow together, producing the
green's surface~ The tees have been sprigged ar well. Before the tees were sprigged, all tees
were larer-leveled, winch will produce an
extremely flat teeing area. Going back to the
A~sens, the surface will be anything but flat.
1 greens have been shaped with gentle (and
a few not so gentle) swooping slopes. Greenside
and fairway bunkers (sand traps) have also
Hole #17 Prior to Hole #I 7 During been renovated and improved. The new par
Construction Construction three (hole number fourteen (14) and hole
number seventeen (17), which was relocated,
have grown-in exquisitely Regarding the new par three, golf staff
truly believes that it will be one of the finest par three holes in
Indian River County. Projects set to be completed in August and
September include installation of golf range netting, landscaping
the entrance road, refurbishing the parking lot, and construction
Hole #17 Finished of a new golf course sign to be positioned at Main Street. The new
Product sign will match all other new City of Sebartian signs seen throughout
town. The golf range netting will stand at a height of fifty (50) feet.
The netting system will appear aesthetic, while durable enough to withstand hurricane-force
winds. A golfer playing holes one (1) and nine (9) will be protected from errant driving range
shots. Finally, as stated at the beginning of this article, the golf course renovation project
is directly on schedule. Sebastian Golf Course will have a grand re-opening celebration and
golf tournament on Monday, October 1st, 2001. Details about the opening festivities can be
obtained by calling the Golf Shop at 589-6801, or by stopping by: We would like to say "hi"
to you anyway!
New Development Projects Within our Community
A Growth M~a~erde~t Dep~rtment
Park on Gibson Street, and another
beautifully designed medical/retail office
building, the Sea Crest Building, is going to
be constructed on U.S.. # 1'north of the
Sebastian Car Warh II; arros~ the street from
Wal-Mart.
Congratulations to David and Sharon
Brown on the wonderful renovation and
completion of the I~q Plaza office building.
What a beautiful and bright addition to our
riverfront area. Mr. Brown tells us there is
one mere "finishing touch" to be started
soon that should really make the building a
conversation topic! We're also getting excited
about the completion of the new Century 21
Realty office under construction at the corner
of Lacouia Street and Ct~ 512. Capp CnsWm
The Planning and Zoning Commission
and City Council have recently reviewed and
approved ordinances to annex 80 additional
acres into the City limits. The area known
as the Davis property is located west of
Schumann Lake and south of South Moon
Under Subdivision. A conceptual plan for
the development of the property war also
approved. The property will be zoned for
single- and multi-family housing with lakes
and recreational amenities included.
New commercial venues recently
approvedqnclude a 14,500 sq. ft. Walgreen's
pharmacy store to be located near the new
Publix on U.S. #1. Deen and Klm Messner
will be constructing a 28,000 sq. fo. contractor
trades building in the Indian Paver Industrial
FELLSMERE ROAD
central business district within the historic
riverfront, the CiW is sehciting public input
on renaming CR-512 (Fellsmere Road) to
develop a sense of identity between the
roadway and the community it bisects.
So far, the following names have been
suggested by the Sebartian City Council. If
you prefer any of the names listed, please
check one. If not, pleare w~ite-in your
suggestion and mail coupon to:
City of Sebastian
1225 Main Street · Sebartian, FL 32958
Attention: City Manager's Office.
HELP US RENAME
In June of 2000, the City Council of the
City of Sebastian adopted special
development regulations along the CR-512
corridor.
The Overlay District Regulations is in
existence to essentially promote an
attractive and inviting corridor and
encourage development of attractive
buildings complemented by a sufficient
amount of appealing and well-maintained
landscaping.
To further promote enhancement of tins
vital roadway leading from 1-95 to the
Builders is doing a wonderful job with
implementation of the architectural design
drafted by Rich Rogers, who insured the
building's design exemplified compliance
with the 512 Overlay District design criteria.
Sebartian's new developments promise to
be something we all can take pride in!
Information on any of the new projects
can be reviewed at the Growth Management
Department, 1225 Main Street, Sebartian,
589-5537, from 8:00 a~m. to 4:30 p.m.
Please check one or provide your
write-in and mail to:
City of Sebastian
1225 Main Street
Sebartian, FL 32958
Attn: City Manager's Office
Sebastian Boulevard
Sebastian Paver Boulevard
St. Sebarfflan River Boulevard
Write-In:
Address:
Telephone:
Engineering Project Update, 2001
Paving -- Ranger Construction is cnrrently in the process of paving the areas designated
as Unit 2 and Unit 4. Unit 4, which is the area bounded by Salem Avenue, Glencove Street,
Mulberry Street and Wasena Avenue, contains 20 streets emd required approximately 20,000
linear feet of paving. Unit 2 contains 40 streets and requires approximately 40,000 linear
feet of paving. This area is bounded by Main Street, Fleming Street, Wentworth Street
and Barber Street.
Recent completions include North Central Avenue and Fleming Street.
In conjunction with paving operations the City is coordinating with the Traffic Engineering
Division of Indian River County to provide appropriate pavement markin§~.
Filbert Passive Park -- Conceptual plans and cost estimates have been developed for
the former 9-acre water plant parcel known as the Filbert Street parcel.
Application for funding has been submitted to the DEP under the Land and Water
Conservation Fund. It is expected that the project will cost approximately $330,000 with
$150,000 coming from the DEP if the gq'ant is successful.
Barber Street Schumann Drive - Widening -- Design and specifications have been
prepared by consulting engineers Kimley-Horn and Associates for the intersection widening
of Barber Street and Schumann Drive. This is necessary so that tralT~c ~gnais can be installed
at this location to accommodate the traffic flow and serve the Pelican Island Elementary
School. Bid packages have been prepared and contractors are being solicited for construction.
Traffic Safety Program -- Traffic sign shop is in the continuous process of installing stop bars at all stop controlled intersections. In
addition, recent painting of double yellow center lines in the vicinity of the Barber Street Sports Complex insures a continuous no passing
lane. This was accomplished with our new painting machine. This operation if performed by County TralY~c Operations would have cost
$3500.00
In addition to the pavement markingl~rog~am.sh~p-pepsonnel are L~gaged in a ccmtimamas si~ x'eplaCwi.~wiit .,,.d ~eft~rbishmentproject
City wide.
4th of July Update
The City of Sebastian is grateful and extends a special Thank You to the following contributors for
raising $12,385 in donations for use in the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration:
Board of County Commissioners
Skydive Sebastian of South Florida
The Gehring Group
Sportsman's Marine & Lodge
Orange Peel Ente~prises, Inc. dba Greens +
Dunl(~n Donuts Sebastian
Capt. Hiram's
Henry Fischer & Sons, Inc.
Ercildoune Bowling Lanes
Wisher Controls, Inc.
SHARI~WiART, INC.
Sebastian Singers
Sebastian Offshore Marine
Sebastian Animal Hospital and
Bird Clinic, Inc.
Pelican Warehouses, Inc.
Miners Marina, Inc.
Ma~xwell & Son, Inc.
Lee G. Weeks
Jim & Andy' Shand
James V~ Steil, Inc.
Hometown Pet Care Center
GFWC Sebastian River Junior Woman's Club
Grace's Landing, LTD
Fred's Auto Body, Inc.
Eva Cummings
Dill & Evans, LC
Community Tire & Auto Service, Inc.
Bay Street Pharmacy, Inc.
Aruald Air Conditioning, Inc.
Alpha ACE Hardware, Inc.
Allyn's Cleaning Service
The Davis House
Sebastian Car Wash, Inc.
GRB Construction, Inc.
Country Ham 'N Egg Restaurant, Inc.
Cecrle Land Surveying, Inc.
Breakthrough Recovery Setwices, Inc.
Adam Preuss Appraisal Se~wices, Inc.
Steven A. Long, RA.
Jerry & Susan Johnson
Dale & Joe Szczech
Betty & Carl Blake
Bettelou & Don Perrin
Mary Marsiglio
Bob & Sunny Leedharn
Coastline Tire & Auto Air
Grow Bowdren
AD Gilbert
Zeth & Gail Young
David & Linda Shapiro
Karen & Bill Wallace
Sal Macino
Peter & Dona Walls
Massage by Marsha
Doctor Clean Commercial Cleaning
The American Legion Charles L. Futch
Post No. 89
Charlane Macon
Association of Roseland Property Owners
Sebastian Area Civic Association
PRSRT STD
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