Stuart commissioners prioritize conservation, parks and clearer rules for half‑cent surtax
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Summary
At a special policy workshop, City of Stuart commissioners told the interim manager they want half‑cent surtax revenue directed to green space and recreation, asked staff to explore amending an interlocal to secure a 2‑acre conservation parcel, and requested a presentation on allowable statutory uses.
Stuart — Commissioners at a special City Commission workshop urged staff to prioritize acquisition and light‑infrastructure improvements for green space if the city uses proceeds from the half‑cent surtax.
At the meeting the interim manager said the city could use surtax revenue for ‘‘acquiring land for public recreation, conservation or protection of natural resources’’ consistent with state law. City Attorney Lee clarified the legal limit: "Municipalities may only spend their share of the surtax revenues to finance, plan, and construct infrastructure and to acquire land for public recreation, conservation or protection of natural resources in accordance with Section 212.055, Florida Statutes." That guidance framed much of the discussion.
Commissioners described several near‑term priorities. Among ideas championed by multiple commissioners were using some surtax proceeds to acquire pocket parks and trailheads, fund passive trail improvements such as boardwalks and picnic areas, and protect two parcels currently under discussion: a 2‑acre site north of the bridge and larger Haney/Baker Creek conservation areas. One commissioner said she would support a referendum to lock some sites into conservation and that county interlocal amendments would be required to remove development set‑asides.
Staff and commissioners also asked for clearer, public presentations about eligible uses before final recommendations. The interim city attorney said he had sent proposed language to the county attorney regarding an amendment to an interlocal agreement that currently ties a 2‑acre parcel to commercial development; his proposal would fold the parcel into the conservation program and keep long‑term maintenance with the city.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the town’s seasonal traffic, limited developable downtown land and potential rail station (BrightLine) make protecting green space a priority now. They asked for a staff briefing on statutory restrictions under Section 212.055, cost estimates for a Baker Creek trailhead, and draft referendum language where appropriate.
Next steps: Staff was directed to provide a written memo and a formal presentation on surtax eligible projects, the proposed interlocal amendment, and cost estimates for trailhead construction and maintenance. No formal votes were taken at the workshop.
