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Escambia Children's Trust asks county for exemption on CRA increment financing payment; board to seek interlocal projects
Summary
Legal counsel told the trust it received a county demand for the next increment‑financing payment under statute 163.387 with a 45‑day deadline; the board voted to request an exemption and to ask the county to extend the payment deadline while the exemption is considered.
The Escambia Children's Trust board directed staff to ask the Escambia County Commission for an exemption from a county demand for increment‑financing (TIF/CRA) funds and to request that the county extend the 45‑day payment deadline while the exemption is considered.
Legal counsel reported the trust had received a county attorney letter requesting the next round of increment financing funds due to the community redevelopment areas under what the meeting recorded as "1 63 3 8 7." Counsel told the board the letter gave a 45‑day timeframe to respond and said the statute allows the trust to request an exemption. Counsel asked the board for direction; a motion to seek an exemption was made, seconded and approved. One trustee who is a county commissioner announced an abstention from the vote because of a possible conflict related to forthcoming county discussion.
Why it matters: staff and trustees said an exemption could lead to an interlocal agreement that directs the funds to children's programs while preserving statutory compliance. Counsel warned that penalties and interest could accrue and described the county's 120‑day period to hear an exemption request. The executive director said the trust could propose collaborative projects—similar to prior interlocal arrangements with the city—that would allow the trust to use the approximate $495,000 to supplement county‑run children's services.
Clarifying points recorded at the meeting included: counsel confirmed the county letter set a March 23 due date under the 45‑day demand; counsel said the board can request an extension of the county's 45‑day demand while the exemption is considered; staff said an exemption, if granted, would lead to an interlocal agreement that would direct funding to qualifying children's projects rather than simply withholding funds.
Board action: the board voted to request an exemption and to ask the county to extend the payment deadline; the motion carried with the chair calling the ayes and one board member (a county commissioner) announcing an abstention.
Ending: staff will prepare the exemption request and include a request that the county extend the 45‑day payment deadline while it considers the exemption; staff will follow up with county commissioners about possible interlocal projects.
