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Commission directs study of boating infrastructure and gives OK to seek optional vessel-registration fee
Summary
Commissioners directed staff to issue an RFP for a boating-infrastructure study and gave legislative intent to advertise an ordinance establishing an optional county vessel-registration fee; staff estimated a $50,000–$60,000 consultant study and projected roughly $466,000 in annual new revenues if the fee is adopted.
Brevard County commissioners voted on March 17 to pursue a two-step approach to address boating infrastructure: first, have staff issue a request for proposals for a consultant-led boating-infrastructure study; second, seek legislative intent and permission to advertise an ordinance imposing the county's optional vessel-registration fee.
The commissioner bringing the item described the county as a "water county" with a boating community that has not had a comprehensive study in nearly 20 years. "A more comprehensive understanding of need and feasibility will allow the board to make the best decision for the good of our community," the commissioner said during the presentation.
Staff and commissioners discussed funding and timing. Parks and marine-advisory bodies would review study results before any fee is finalized. Jim, a staff official, said a consultant-led study would likely cost about $50,000 to $60,000 and noted that the Boating Improvement Program (BBIP) currently has approximately $1.9 million in reserves with about $195,000 uncommitted that could cover the study cost. Jim said the expense is an eligible BBIP use.
The optional county vessel-registration fee would be added to the annual state registration cost and varies by vessel class; staff estimated the fee would generate about $466,000 annually and give the BBIP roughly $13–14 per typical recreational vessel after mandated allocations. Commissioners emphasized public outreach: the parks advisory board, marine advisory council and boating stakeholders would review proposals before the board considers a final ordinance.
After discussion, the board voted to direct staff to prepare an RFP for the study and to proceed with legislative intent and advertising the ordinance; the motion carried with one dissent (Commissioner Felner). Staff said the study and ordinance will be returned to the board after advisory-board review and the consultant analysis.
The board also asked staff to report back on whether in-house resources could be used and to return cost and schedule estimates with the RFP.
The action positions the county to evaluate boat-launch capacity, launch amenities, parking and potential investments supported by a user fee if the board later approves it.
