Agenda Item # 11.a.
City Commission Regular Meeting
- Meeting Date:
- 01/21/2020
- Re
- Letter Opposing HB 653
- Submitted For:
- Linda Cox
SUBJECT:
Approve letters to Senator Gayle Harrell and Representative Delores Hogan Johnson opposing HB 653 which would prohibit municipal electric utilitites from using specified revenues to finance general government functions.
SUMMARY:
HB 653 preempts Florida’s constitutional home rule provision for municipalities and it is a direct attack on local government and local decision-making. The Fort Pierce Utilities Authority (FPUA) is our city’s municipal owned utility and provides about $6 million per year to the general revenue, or about 15% of the total city budget. This distribution to the city can be likened to the franchise fees that investor owned utilities pay to cities, where there is no city owned utility. We strongly oppose this legislation that would severely curtail the ability of the City of Fort Pierce and the FPUA to work together to best serve our customers and citizens.
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve letter.
ALTERNATIVES:
Do not approve or approve with modifications.
RESPONSIBLE STAFF:
Linda W. Cox, City Clerk
COORDINATED WITH:
Mayor Linda Hudson
Fiscal Impact
OTHER INFORMATION:
None at this time; but significant detrimental impact if legislation passes.
Attachments
Form Review
| Inbox | Reviewed By | Date |
|---|---|---|
| City Manager | Nick Mimms | 01/10/2020 08:41 AM |
- Form Started By:
- Linda Cox
- Started On:
- 01/02/2020 03:40 PM
- Final Approval Date:
- 01/10/2020