Palm Beach County commission conditionally approves Riviera Beach amendment, OKs FAU internship MOU and rental‑car fees

The Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners on March 26 approved several administrative and funding actions, including a conditional amendment to an interlocal agreement with the City of Riviera Beach, a countywide internship memorandum of understanding with Florida Atlantic University and new fees to fund a consolidated rental‑car facility at Palm Beach International Airport.

Commissioner Bobby Powell moved to advance a one‑third amendment to an existing interlocal agreement with Riviera Beach—originally approved July 15, 1997—so the city could proceed with relocating an aquatics facility and related park development, but only if Riviera Beach “is on the prevailing side of the litigation” concerning the project. Vice Mayor Marci Woodward seconded the motion and the board approved it 7‑0. Powell told the board the county had discussed periodic coordination with the city manager and that work would proceed only if the city prevailed in the lawsuit.

County staff described an agreement with Florida Atlantic University to create a countywide internship program that would allow departments across county government to place and supervise interns. Vice Mayor Woodward moved to approve agenda item 5D1 (parts A, B and C); Commissioner Joel Flores seconded. The board approved the agreement 7‑0.

In an airports presentation staff said the board was being asked to adopt two per‑transaction fees to establish dedicated funding for a consolidated rental‑car facility at Palm Beach International Airport. Staff described an initial customer facility charge of $6 per rental transaction day and an accompanying transportation facility charge of $5 per transaction day for certain off‑airport operators; staff said the combined fees could be increased up to $10.50 per transaction day in consultation with rental‑car operators, with any larger increase requiring further board action. Commissioners approved the resolutions 7‑0; staff indicated the fees would become effective May 1.

The board also granted a request from the county attorney’s office to schedule a private attorney‑client session between the board, the county administrator and the county attorney; the motion passed 7‑0.

Votes at a glance

- Riviera Beach interlocal amendment (Parks & Recreation M3/M4): Motion by Commissioner Bobby Powell, second Vice Mayor Marci Woodward. Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved conditionally; implementation contingent on Riviera Beach prevailing in related litigation.

- FAU countywide internship MOU (5D1 A,B,C): Motion by Vice Mayor Marci Woodward, second Commissioner Joel Flores. Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved; staff to execute the agreement with Florida Atlantic University.

- Airport rental‑car facility fees (5A3/resolutions): Motion by Commissioner Maria Marino, second Vice Mayor Marci Woodward. Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved; initial customer facility charge $6 per transaction day and transportation facility charge $5 per transaction day for certain operators; effective May 1; increase up to $10.50 allowed after consultation.

- Attorney‑client session request (5E1): Motion by Commissioner Maria Marino, second Commissioner Maria Sachs. Vote: 7 yes, 0 no. Outcome: approved; private session to be scheduled.

Why it matters

The Riviera Beach action allows parks and recreation work tied to a multi‑decade interlocal agreement to move forward only if litigation is resolved in the city’s favor, limiting county exposure until legal clarity is reached. The FAU internship MOU formalizes a pipeline for students into county departments. The rental‑car fees create a dedicated revenue stream to fund a consolidated rental‑car facility at the airport; the board approved initial fee levels and a process for future adjustments.

What’s next

Staff will implement the FAU internship agreement and the airports’ fee resolutions, with the airports fees stated to take effect May 1. The Riviera Beach amendment will be effective only if the city prevails in pending litigation. Staff will return to the board as required for implementation details, land acquisition, or any fee increase above the approved consultation threshold.