February 9, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners approved moving forward to gather information for a proposal to levy a penny infrastructure sales tax in a partnership with the school board and cultural council. Data was shown at the meeting that combining efforts result in better success, rather than the cities and county doing a half penny and competing on the same ballot with the school district. The original proposal discussed was for the half penny but by adding the partners and getting a full cent the county hopes to be successful and net the cities the same amount as if the cities and county did it alone.  It is estimated that the City of Riviera Beach will receive approximately $20,639,760 in the 10 year period of the surtax.

The county does not have authority to dictate how the cities spend funds derived from a penny infrastructure sales tax. However, we do know sales tax is generally unpopular and must be justified to the community and voters. They are requesting a project list based on an estimated amount you will be receiving so it can be vetted by voters.

Attached you will find a spread sheet prepared which includes proposed unfunded projects contained in the 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan.  This item is on the agenda for Council to approve the list of projects to be submitted. Also, attached is the statutorily authorized uses for the money. Since the referendum proposal includes other parties, an agreement between the county and the cities comprising a majority of the population of the cities must be negotiated.