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Council declines immediate authorization to draft P3 ordinance tied to HB 781 after public concerns
Summary
Council debated whether to authorize the city attorney to draft a resolution or ordinance implementing HB 781 for unsolicited public-private partnership proposals. Council and public speakers raised competitive-bidding and charter-protection concerns; the motion failed on a 2–2 vote.
The Vero Beach City Council on May 13 considered an item to authorize the city attorney to draft a resolution or ordinance implementing House Bill 781, which expands procedures for public-private partnerships (P3s) and allows local governments to accept unsolicited proposals under statutory safeguards.
The city attorney outlined that HB 781 provides a statutory process allowing local governments to consider unsolicited P3 proposals without following the standard public-bid process provided that heightened notice, public comment, and public-interest determinations occur. He recommended pursuing a resolution to codify required steps and procedural safeguards before adopting administrative or code changes.
Several council members and public commenters expressed reservations. One council member said the change could "give future councils in perpetuity the ability to just make decisions" and warned it might undercut competitive bidding. Former Mayor Jay Kramer urged the council to retain competitive bidding and said the statutory text permits government entities beyond elected boards to act, a concern for oversight.
After public comment and deliberation about charter-protected properties and the potential effect on the marina, the mayor moved to authorize drafting the resolution/ordinance; the roll-call vote failed, recorded as 2–2 (Yes: Mister Voss and Mayor; No: Mister Dingle and Vice Mayor Moore). The mayor stated the drafting process would be lengthy and require public workshops and council review if reconsidered.
Council directed that staff or council members may draft or circulate language for future discussion, but no formal drafting authorization passed at the meeting.
