Agenda 07/08/2025 Item #11F (A spend-down plan with available funds from the Infrastructure Sales Surtax revenue)7/8/2025
Item # 11.F
ID# 2025-2253
Executive Summary
Recommendation to adopt a spend-down plan with available funds from the Infrastructure Sales Surtax revenue.
OBJECTIVE: To invest in infrastructure projects consistent with the referendum presented to the voters in 2018.
CONSIDERATIONS: In November 2024, the Infrastructure Sales Surtax Citizens Oversite Committee requested that
staff develop a spend-down plan for the remaining revenues that are available as a result of actual collecdtions and
interest earned. The estimated value is slightly over $44 million. At the June 12th, 2025, Surtax Citizen Oversite
Committee, staff presented a spend down plan that included five projects. These projects were a result of internal
discussions between Facilities, Transportation, the Budget Office and the County Manager's Office as well as input from
stakeholders. The Committee unanimously approved the plan for the following five projects:
1) Reimbursement of the land acquisition for EMS / Fire Station 21 expansion in East Naples. This is a $1.25 million
acquisition approved by the Commission in May and expected to close in July. The current funding source is general
funds that would be reimbursed by the use of the surtax revenues.
2) Recommendation to commit an additional $27.2 million to the Vanderbilt Beach Road extension project. While a line
of credit is available for this project, utilizing surtax revenues will avoid interest payments and will save the County an
estimated $15.2 million over a 25-year debt service payment.
3) Recommendation to fund the Government Complex chiller water line replacement project at an estimated cost of $15
million. This project was originally planned to be funded through Surtax revenues for the complete replacement of the
campus chiller system, including both the chillier plant and associated distribution lines. However, due to funding
constraints, the scope was reduced and incorporated into the Chiller Plant project, limiting pipe replacement to only those
within the construction limits of the chiller plant project. This request will provide the funding necessary to complete the
original project scope. The chiller lines serving the campus have experienced ongoing failures, disrupting operations and
increasing maintenance costs. Additionally, the current system lacks full loop connectivity, resulting in areas without
redundancy and increased risk of system outages. Completing the chilled water line replacement will improve system
reliability, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and ensure consistent climate control across the Government Complex.
4) Recommendation to complete the design and construction of a jury room project in the County Courthouse at an
estimated cost of $2 million. A courtroom and jury room expansion have been in consideration for roughly five-plus
years. A cross-functional team of stakeholders made up of Facilities, the Clerk's Office and Criminal Justice agreed to a
space allocation on the 6th floor of the Courthouse. This plan contemplated the relocation of the Guardian Ad Litem
program to an alternative location. While the expansion of two courtrooms was funded, the jury room relocation was
placed on hold due to lack of funds. Presently, the courtroom construction project is in final design and a construction
manager at-risk has been selected. Once the courtrooms are expanded, the Clerk will be faced with operational
challenges with the jury room. The expansion of jury space will allow for the Clerk to match the expansion of
courtrooms and improve the juror's experience. Additionally, moving the jury space to the 6th floor will open up
opportunities for the re-allocation of space on the 5th floor.
5) Recommendation to commit $1.5 million toward the replacement of the remaining roof at the Main Jail (J3) and the
repair of the north and south mechanical louver walls. The total estimated project cost is $2.5 million. Facilities, in
coordination with the Sheriff's Office, consider this a high-priority project to preserve the integrity of the facility. This
work represents the next phase in securing the building envelope of the Main Jail. The roofs over sections J1 and J2 of
the Jail were successfully replaced over the past two years. Replacing the J3 roof and addressing the louver wall issues is
integral in the comprehensive effort to protect the facility from water intrusion and degradation.
The total estimated cost is $46.95 million. While these projects exceed the current revenues, it is expected that additional
interest will be generated over time. Each project will be validated by the Surtax Citizen Oversite Committee and the
Board of County Commissioners on a project by project basis.
The maintenance and expansion of government infrastructure is consistent with the strategic plan and the referendum
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7/8/2025
Item # 11.F
ID# 2025-2253
supported by the taxpayer.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact at this time. This is a roadmap to spend the remaining sales surtax
revenues generated by the 1% sales tax and the associated interest within Infrastructure Sales Tax Fund (3018).
GROWTH MANAGEMENT IMPACT: These projects are consistent with the County's growth management plan for
County facilities.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item is approved as to form and legality and requires majority vote for approval. -
CMG
RECOMMENDATIONS: Recommendation to approve this spend-down plan of sales surtax tax revenue.
PREPARED BY: John Dunnuck
ATTACHMENTS:
None
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