Commissioners weigh joining interlocal agreement for East Central Florida Regional Planning Council

County Administrator Mr. Boyonez told commissioners on April 1 that the East Central Florida Regional Planning Council had circulated a proposed interlocal agreement for member counties to sign. The council proposed the interlocal after state bills (cited in staff remarks) would remove the statutory requirement for counties to be members of regional councils.

"What's in front of you is the proposed agreement. It has not been fully reviewed by County Administration and County Legal Office to provide any comments," Mr. Boyonez said, and added the council asked member counties to respond quickly. He said Sumter County had already told the council it was not interested in considering the agreement at this time.

Commissioner Curry, who represents Marion County on the regional council, described several services the council provides, including grant administration, Brownfields work and assistance with comp plan amendments for small municipalities. Curry shared a five-year return-on-investment figure provided by the council showing Marion County receiving $9.44 in benefits per $1 of dues, and noted Marion Countyannual dues are roughly $84,000.

Several commissioners said they wanted more time and a concrete accounting before deciding. Commissioner MacLean said he was uncomfortable committing before the outcome of state legislation is known; Commissioner Zalick said that if the county is expected to remain a member the interlocal should offer clearer, negotiated return-on-investment in specific deliverables rather than general meeting attendance.

County staff agreed to gather more detail on the council's project-specific funding and results and to return to the board. Ending: Commissioners gave no final direction to sign the interlocal agreement at the April 1 meeting and asked staff and the clerk to provide a financial analysis and project list for further consideration.