MARK SCHUMANN

After electing Scott Stradley as chairman, and Bob Auwaerter of Indian River Shores as vice chairman, the Vero Beach Utilities Commission yesterday unanimously approved a recommendation to eliminate electric utility impact fees.

Finance Director Cindy Lawson and City Manager Jim O’Connor explained the fees, which have averaged a total $160,000 a year over the past five years, fall heaviest on commercial projects and could potential inhibit much needed economic development. According to Lawson, Vero Electric is the only municipally owned electric utility in Florida still charging impact fees.

The fees, Lawson explained, have gone toward capital projects. With the decommissioning of the power plant there will, she said, be less need for capital investment in the system. In contrast, the City’s water and sewer system remains a capital intensive utility. No change was proposed regarding water and sewer impact fees.

Last month, the City Council put in abeyance the collection of utility impact fees pending a final recommendation from the Utilities Commission.

The Commission set a joint meeting with the Airport Commission for Feb. 25 at 9:30 to receive a report on a feasibility study for a solar farm. The Florida Municipal Power Agency will also be invited to explain the agency’s plans to develop more solar capacity.