Winter Springs signs interlocal agreement with Seminole County to formalize local option fuel tax distribution

City Manager Kevin Sweet briefed the commission on an interlocal agreement (ILA) prepared by Seminole County and reviewed by the Department of Revenue that formalizes distribution of the local option fuel tax proceeds. Sweet emphasized that the city has "elected to retain its statutory share of fuel tax proceeds" and that the agreement includes language making Winter Springs responsible for determining the lawful use of that share.

"In section 3(c) in particular, the city shall retain its statutory share of fuel tax proceeds and shall be solely responsible for determining the use of such proceeds in accordance with applicable law," the manager explained during his presentation. Sweet also distinguished an additional five‑cent distribution the county is pursuing from the city's statutory share, noting that specific buckets for capital versus maintenance differ by statute and the county's recent request.

Commissioners expressed interest in continued negotiations and coordinated messaging with the county about how additional funds will be leveraged; several members said they had met county officials to discuss benefits for Winter Springs. The commission then voted to adopt the ILA as presented.

Staff noted that the additional 5¢ proposed by the county is generally restricted to capital improvements to roadways rather than routine maintenance, and that the city's general fund decisions for budget shortfalls remain separate.

Next steps: County will countersign; staff will continue dialog on potential uses and leverage of funds and participate in planned county‑city coordination on public communications.