SUBJECT:
Title
Request Consideration of Engagement in Services of the Ballard Partners to Represent Marion County to Advocate for the County’s Interests Before the State of Florida, Particularly Including the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
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INITIATOR: |
DEPARTMENT: |
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Matthew G. Minter, County Attorney |
County Attorney |
DESCRIPTION/BACKGROUND:
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has adopted a new Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) Rule for Silver Springs and the Upper Silver River and Rainbow Springs Group and Rainbow River Basin Management Action Plan. The Rule’s requirements for annual nitrogen reduction are neither physically nor financially achievable for the county government. See Attachment 1, Letter from County Engineer Steven Cohoon to FDEP dated May 2, 2025. After considering the options of litigation challenging the Rule, which would be very expensive and without strong likelihood of success, or choosing a non-litigation option, the County Attorney and County Administrator, as well as Assistant County Administrators Angel Roussel and Tracy Straub, and County Engineer Steven Cohoon and Utilities Director Tony Cunningham, recommend engaging the services of Ballard Partners, partner David Childs, of Tallahassee, see Attachment 2, to engage in meetings with FDEP to negotiate an approach by Marion County that is operationally and economically feasible. Mr. Cunningham has had prior experience working with Mr. Childs, who is both an engineer and attorney, in dealings with state agencies. We believe this proposal is in the best interests of Marion County.
BUDGET/IMPACT:
Expenditure of $108,000, payable in $9,000, monthly installments, for a one-year engagement.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommended action
Motion to approve the proposed Engagement Letter.
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