Vero Beach council creates ad hoc fundraising committee for Humiston Boardwalk after debate over use of sale proceeds

The Vero Beach City Council on June 23 approved a resolution creating an ad hoc advisory committee to jumpstart fundraising and advise on donor recognition for the Humiston Boardwalk reconstruction.

Councilmember John Carroll told colleagues the committee’s first task would be to develop a formal recognition and fundraising plan and said the committee would initially sunset in December 2026. Vice Mayor Taylor Dingle urged the Council to use $600,000 from proceeds of the sale of Vero Electric to ensure the project moves forward, arguing the City should be “invested, they are serious, and just to get this done.” That motion died for lack of a second. Carroll said the committee’s immediate goal is to raise $400,000 in total, which would reduce the remaining gap to about $95,000 after existing pledges and Community Foundation deposits.

Public Works Director Matt Mitts and staff described the project schedule: the City expects to receive construction bids at the end of July and, if approved, launch construction on Nov. 1, 2026. During the hearing resident Barbara Ruddy suggested selling commemorative boards at $1,100 each as one fundraising tactic. Mayor John Cotugno and other councilmembers stressed the need to know the final bids and total project cost before committing large City funds.

The resolution passed unanimously, 5-0. Council discussed extending the committee sunset date; Councilmember Aaron Vos suggested April 30, 2027 before withdrawing that amendment. The public hearing record shows roughly $160,000 in pledges so far and unspecified additional funds expected from state and county sources.

The council’s action creates a time-limited advisory body to recommend fundraising methods and donor recognition; it does not itself appropriate city funds for construction.