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Flagler County Board Keeps Options Open on Beach Management Funding; New half‑cent sales tax discussed
Summary
County staff presented three funding options for the Beach Management Plan — a full 18.1‑mile program funded in part by a proposed new half‑cent local option sales tax, a focused unincorporated‑only approach, or a reactive, post‑storm strategy — and commissioners directed staff to continue work and consultation with Palm Coast and Bunnell rather than pick a final plan.
Flagler County staff on Monday presented funding scenarios for implementing the county’s 2023 Beach Management Plan and for long‑term dune and beach renourishment. Staff outlined three broad approaches — proceed with the full 18.1‑mile coastline plan using a new half‑cent local option sales tax and other sources; limit county funding to the unincorporated portion of the coast; or remain reactive and rely on post‑storm emergency funding — and asked the Board of County Commissioners for guidance.
The presentation reviewed the county’s current revenue sources and constraints. Staff noted the county already collects an existing local option half‑cent sales tax adopted in 2012 that generates about $9.9 million annually countywide (about $4.4 million allocable to the county). For fiscal 2026 staff proposed using a portion of the current half cent (about $2.1 million annually) layered with a new half‑cent sales tax to finance initial construction of the beach and dune system over a three‑year horizon, then transition ongoing nourishment funding to the new tax while freeing the existing half cent for other deferred capital like roads and stormwater.
Other funding options discussed included Tourist Development Council (TDC) capital funds and TDC allocations for beach work, formation of a Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) for barrier‑island properties, pursuit of grant programs (state DEP grants, FDOT assistance for seawall/sand placement, FEMA Category G/B emergency funds) and local grant‑reimbursement mechanisms. Staff emphasized uncertainty in grant timing and that some programs are reimbursement based (so local carryover funds or advance costs may be necessary). The presentation also noted a recently awarded DEP grant (DEP 25 FL 1) for $4.4 million toward a specific reach.
Commissioners and the public voiced differing priorities. Several resident speakers and local property owners urged immediate, countywide action and warned that delaying a comprehensive program risks further erosion and home damage. Others — including at least one commissioner — opposed adding a new half‑cent sales tax, saying residents already face many tax pressures and urging exploration of alternatives such as better use of existing environmentally sensitive lands (ESL) funds, reallocation of other county revenue or negotiation with Palm Coast on how the city would use any additional share.
The board did not adopt a final funding path. Commissioners asked staff to continue refining scenarios, prepare materials for the City of Palm Coast and City of Bunnell (including an interlocal agreement draft and a list of priority projects those municipalities could propose for any new revenue), and return with a short menu of options — including a version that would place a half‑cent proposal on a 2026 referendum with term and project language. Some commissioners expressed support for starting work in the unincorporated area if the board cannot secure immediate consensus on a countywide funding package.
Ending: Staff will continue outreach with municipalities, pursue grant opportunities, and provide the board with clearer fiscal scenarios and options in the next several weeks ahead of final budget guidance.
