SUBJECT/RECOMMENDATION:
Title
Approve the amended and restated Interlocal Agreement between the City of Clearwater and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP), including annual funding contributions in the cumulative amount of $100,260.00 through Fiscal Year 2031, and authorize the appropriate officials to execute same.
Body
SUMMARY:
Since 1998, the city has maintained both Policy and Management Board representation on the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) boards. The city is one of sixteen local governments and agencies participating in the program. The Interlocal Agreement was originally developed in 1998 and subsequently amended in 2015 and 2021. As with previous Interlocal Agreements, this is a five-year agreement, from 2027 through 2031.
The amendments to the Interlocal Agreement primarily addressed revised political boundaries and population changes. Financial participation requirements for TBEP were redistributed based on changes in political boundaries, including annexations, and population growth associated with new development. No substantial changes were made to the Agreement.
The participants in the Agreement have developed and adopted the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for Tampa Bay. The CCMP establishes goals for clean water and sediments, thriving habitats and abundant wildlife, and an informed, engaged, and responsible community. The CCMP is re-examined every five years and updated as appropriate. To achieve the CCMP goals, the Agreement emphasizes regional cooperation and regulatory flexibility, allowing participants to select cost-effective and environmentally beneficial bay improvement options for their communities while supporting the overall goals of the CCMP.
Clearwater’s annual dues for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 are $18,720.00, based on the 2023 American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau Census Tract population estimates. Dues paid in March for FY2026 were $21,873, slightly more than future dues. To support ongoing program operations, annual funding contributions will increase incrementally through FY2031 as follows: FY2028 - $19,369.00; FY2029 - $20,035.00; FY2030 - $20,718.00; and FY2031 - $21,418.00.
APPROPRIATION CODE AND AMOUNT:
Funding for this agreement will be requested in the annual budget process in Public Works-Stormwater cost code 4191365-530300, Contractual Services, to fund this contract. The Public Works Stormwater division is funded by revenues from the Stormwater Utility Enterprise Fund.
STRATEGIC PRIORITY:
The TBEP’s Interlocal Agreement allows Tampa Bay communities to work together to improve the health of the bay.
