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Board approves initial assessment resolution for Beau Rivage water-main MSBU; assessment capped at $9,989 per property with payment option
Summary
Martin County voted unanimously on Feb. 25 to form an MSBU to install a water main for Beau Rivage, assessing each benefited property $9,989 (lump-sum) or about $638.87 annually over 20 years; utilities will contribute approximately $930,000 and SRF financing was secured.
Martin County commissioners on Feb. 25 unanimously approved an initial-assessment resolution to create the Beau Rivage Water Main Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU), authorizing a ballot-supported water-main installation for 259 properties in the Beau Rivage neighborhood. The initial-resolution vote was unanimous.
Why it matters: the MSBU will provide potable water and fire protection to an enclave annexed from St. Lucie County in 2013. The project is paired with planned grinder-based septic-to-sewer conversion in the area and roadway and drainage improvements, aiming to remove about 250 septic systems near the North Fork of the St. Lucie River.
Cost and financing: staff reported an anticipated assessment of $9,989 per benefited property if paid as a lump sum. Properties may instead pay over 20 years as an annual assessment of $638.87. Staff said construction-bid prices equate to roughly $13,580 per equivalent residential connection (ERC) for the street-side infrastructure before contributions. Martin County Utilities has applied for and received State Revolving Fund (SRF) financing at an interest rate of about 1.52% and will contribute approximately $930,000 toward the project.
Schedule and outreach: construction bids were awarded to Acura Drilling in December 2024; staff expects to mail project letters on March 5, host a community workshop (board chambers) on March 18 and begin construction as soon as May 2025 with an approximate 10-month schedule to completion. Staff indicated that Public Works will repave public roads and overlay drainage improvements after utilities work concludes.
Septic-to-sewer program and assessment caps: staff framed the project within the county's ongoing septic-to-sewer initiative, which aims (per past board policy) to convert up to 10,000 homes in a multi-year effort (currently approximately 5,000 units reached through vacuum and grinder-based programs). The board had earlier adopted a policy capping water-main assessments at $10,000 and vacuum sewer assessments at about $12,000 to keep projects financially feasible; the Beau Rivage assessment estimate is within that water cap. Staff said they will reassess caps after upcoming bid results if material and labor pricing trending persists.
Board and resident questions covered venue for the March 18 community meeting, the origin of the $10,000 cap (a board-level policy adopted after rising construction costs), and proximity of the project to waterways and other private parcels. The board approved the initial resolution and directed staff to proceed with outreach and the public workshop.
