Brevard County commissioners directed staff to update a rate study for the Barefoot Bay Water and Sewer District and authorized county utilities to consult bond counsel about the district's outstanding bond debt during the Sept. 10 meeting.

Commissioner Atkinson made the motion, saying residents were concerned about increasing rates that the district is using to pay bond debt and noting the district is an independent special district; Commissioner Delaney seconded the motion. Staff told the board the rate-study update would likely cost about $30,000 or less and take a few months. The consultant's findings could result in a future rate resolution and possibly a budget amendment.

Why it matters: Barefoot Bay is a dependent special district with independent governance; staff said once the district's debt is paid it would be absorbed into the county. Commissioners framed the motion as staff direction to explore whether rate adjustments or other debt-structure options could provide relief to Barefoot Bay taxpayers without affecting other Brevard County residents.

What staff said: County staff recommended the rate-study update and advised the board that any resulting rate changes would come back as a separate agenda item requiring additional board action. The board approved the staff-direction motion unanimously.

Ending: Staff will bring back the consultant's findings and any recommended next steps for board consideration in the coming months.