Barefoot Bay leaders urge commissioners to terminate 2020 interlocal that caps district assessments

Representatives of Barefoot Bay addressed the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 26 seeking termination of a 2020 interlocal agreement that restricts the Barefoot Bay Recreation District (BBRD) from raising its annual assessment beyond the year-over-year change in the Consumer Price Index without explicit county approval.

Bruce Amoss, chairman of the BBRD board of trustees, told commissioners the interlocal was forced by a former commissioner during the COVID period and said it improperly subjects the district — which elects its own five trustees — to county approval for budgetary assessments. Amoss argued the district and county are separate governments under Florida law and said the interlocal denies Barefoot Bay residents the authority of their elected trustees.

Amoss said if the interlocal remains in effect, the district will be required to appear before the county commission whenever trustees seek to exceed the cap during budget development, creating a role for county officials not elected by Barefoot Bay residents. He asked the commission to adopt a resolution terminating the interlocal and said trustees are prepared to pursue governmental conflict resolution under Chapter 164, Florida Statutes, and other legal remedies if necessary.

Separately, two Barefoot Bay residents — John Requia and another resident who described high water and sewer fees — spoke during public comment about affordability and bond-related charges they say have made the utility fees “unsustainable” for many residents. Requia cited a proposed increase in delivery fees and projected charges, saying his monthly water and sewer bill could rise substantially in coming years.

Why it matters: Barefoot Bay is a special district with elected trustees; terminating the interlocal would restore greater fiscal autonomy to the district but could affect county oversight and the county's role in tax-roll collections and assessment administration.

Quotes:
"This interlocal agreement does not benefit Brevard County in any way. It only adversely affects the Barefoot Bay Recreation District. Please do the right thing and approve a resolution to terminate the 2020 interlocal agreement between BBRD and the county," Bruce Amoss told the commission.

Ending: Commissioners did not take immediate formal action on Amoss's request during the meeting; Amoss said the trustees are prepared to pursue legal and administrative remedies if the interlocal remains in effect.