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CRA board asks staff to study feasibility of downtown fire station and draft county interlocal amendment
Summary
The CRA board voted to ask staff to develop an estimate and draft an interlocal amendment that could allow CRA funds to support a downtown fire station or renovations to Station 1, subject to county approval.
Board member John Carlson moved that CRA staff consult with Tampa Fire Chief Tripp and the firefighters’ union to develop an estimated budget for a downtown fire station or renovation of Station 1, and that CRA staff work with CRA attorney Shepherd on a proposed interlocal amendment to seek county approval if needed. Board member Maniscalco seconded; the board approved the motion.
CRA attorney Shepherd told the board that Florida Statute 163.387 governs CRA expenditures and that section 3(b) allows alternate provisions contained in an interlocal agreement between a taxing authority and the governing body that created the CRA to supersede statutory restrictions for that taxing authority. In plain terms, Shepherd said, CRA funds can be used for items that might otherwise be restricted if the county (as a taxing authority) agrees through an interlocal agreement. He noted, however, that persuading the county to agree can be difficult and that successful examples exist in other jurisdictions.
Why it matters: speakers and several board members described deteriorating conditions at some downtown fire facilities and cited operational needs for emergency response in fast‑growing downtown and Channelside areas. The board said staff should return with a proposed estimate and legal amendment ready for review on March 13 so the CRA can determine whether to request county approval.
Board direction and next steps: the board asked staff to (1) work with the fire chief and union on cost estimates for a downtown station or Station 1 renovation and equipment needs, (2) have CRA counsel draft a possible interlocal amendment for county consideration, and (3) return to the CRA March 13 with the amendment and budget for possible approval to send to the county.
Ending: CRA staff and counsel will prepare estimates and an interlocal amendment template for consideration; any use of CRA funds would require county approval per the statute and any negotiated interlocal agreement.
