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A 50-year lease with 10-year (x 4) options to renew was approved with Indian River State College. They will build athletic facilities in Indiantown for their high school. Commissioner Vargas was concerned about the term of the lease. But, as Commissioner Ciampi explained ‘Big projects need that kind of time to attract and assure big donors.’ The legal staff assured her that it was a typical term for such a project. Commissioner Heard was adamant that the recreational facilities on the grounds would be accessible to the public.
Last month it was suggested that the Parks and Rec Advisory (Citizens) Board meet only quarterly instead of monthly. It is MCTA’s experience that the citizens, even those assigned to the boards, often don’t show up for such meetings. Commissioners Vargas and Capps revealed that members of the PRAB confided to them that they don’t feel heard and that they are simply there to approve of whatever is offered by staff. MCTA has observed this on the Neighborhood Advisory Committees as well. These meetings are YOUR opportunity to speak up. If you feel they are simply top-down, perfunctory performances, then complain to your County Commissioners! They are the only ones who can correct this behavior. Giving up on the meetings is NOT the answer.
The old juice plant in Indiantown will be the home of a new solid waste processor. Synagro will repurpose the plant with an avant garde facility which will save us from spreading our solid waste on farmlands. If you want to read an article about the subject here is one point of view: https://www.wuft.org/environment/2025-12-29/urban-waste-rural-consequences. They will pay $1 million in tax revenue annually. Commissioner Heard exclaimed that “We’ve been looking for this solution for 23 years!”
The BOCC accepted a $7,500 grant for a summer intern. 0 County match. A Surfing’s Evolution and Preservation Foundation grant to purchase training manikins for Ocean Rescue…a $3,180 with no County match. Mosquito-be-gone chemicals will be purchased with $61,855 from the state. 0 County match. The Florida Inland Navigational District (FIND) is giving the County $119,000 for a boardwalk and floating dock at the Jensen Beach Fiddler Crab Access Project. The County will match the amount.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection adjusted their agreement with the County to allow for fewer hook ups to sewer because people are not reacting as quickly as anticipated.
There were budget adjustments to accept a contribution from the US Sailing Center in the amount of $31,350 toward construction of Indian Riverside Park overflow parking lot. A contribution from HOG striping storage to buy their way out of planting 181 “required” trees on a lot that is not large enough to support that many. This cost HOG $42,716. WHY WERE THEY REQUIRED IF THEY WOULDN’T FIT? 😒
The State reimbursed the County $232,936 for Health Department facility renovations in both Stuart and Indiantown.
Continuing contracts were approved for underground services to replace conduit pathways for electrical systems not to exceed $5 million over 5 years.
There will be a neighborhood restoration project in Rocky Point for $2,638,629 on roadways that do not need water/sewer installation. Good planning.
The 3rd phase of the Fire/Rescue Training Tower, which is a burn tower used to simulate fires in stairwells. This 3rd phase will cost $6,723,641. When questioned by Commissioner Heard, the F/R representative stated that firefighters train day and that this facility would be used daily. He claimed that the County would see savings of $120,000/yr by not having to drive to remote locations to train. Commissioner Heard opined that it would take a long time to recoup the cost at that rate. MCTA has been advocating for an outside organization qualified to assess such a specialized industry as fire/rescue to be hired. Fire/Rescue has expanded their budget and responsibilities to the degree that MCTA thinks an objective look at efficiencies would either reveal potential saving or justify their expenses. So far our request has fallen on deaf ears.
Coral Gardens Septic to Sewer project will have a $1,511,847 amendment to the original contract.
A Brownfield site on Gomez in Hobe Sound was approved at a public hearing. This will allow the new owner/developer of the land to apply for state tax credits only after he rehabs the land from chemicals deposited by a former nursery. Land, which was sitting vacant will, once developed, be able to be taxed at a much higher rate.
There was much angst by Commissioners Heard and Vargas regarding Accessory Dwelling Units aka guesthouses. Seems it is actually illegal to rent them. Gotcha! But, Heard and Vargas wanted nothing to do with this claiming that there aren’t enough restrictions…people, vehicles and septic system capacity. Commissioner Capps very reasonably pointed out that “they won’t be popping up all over the place” primarily because construction is cost prohibitive. Commissioner Heard doesn’t want to “force needy people into substandard housing”. Huh? On February 24th there will be a public meeting after 5pm to further discuss the issue, if you can believe it.
It was required for the County to sign a maintenance agreement in order to receive grant funds for roadway drainage projects in Palm City Farms in the amount of $5,625,000. There will also be a County match of $1,875,000.
Permission was given for staff to apply for a $3,860,000 grant for the development of El Cameno multimodal corridor in Golden Gate for things for but not limited to ADA curb ramps, crossings and lighting. The County will match with $964,876. This may transform the area.
Permission was given for staff to apply for $125,000 for 5 years for Human Services to prevent youth substance use. County will match over the 5 years totaling $812,500. MCTA wonders how they quantify its success.
Finally, there will be a grant for $120,000 so the airport can install an additional perimeter security gate with a County match of $30,000. The airport is an Enterprise Fund though so it shouldn’t cost taxpayers anything. Go here for more info on Enterprise Funds: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.martin.fl.us/resources/fy2026-adopted-budget
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Confused About All These Topics?
Check Out Our New Free Event
Insight Series
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Insights Series
🗣️ Let’s Talk Local: What No One Told You (But Should Have)
A Community Briefing on Where Your Tax Dollars Are Really Going
Ever wonder where your money’s going—and who’s deciding how it’s spent? This eye-opening event pulls back the curtain on how your local tax dollars are allocated, who’s behind the decisions, and what it means for you, your neighborhood, and your future.
🧠 Get the inside scoop from our featured local guest speaker
🤝 Network with movers, shakers, and change-makers
🍴 Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in a relaxed setting
📣 Gain the knowledge—and the voice—you didn’t know you needed
WHEN & WHERE: TBD
FEATURING – A Local Guest Speaker to be announced
This isn’t your average community meeting. It’s your chance to ask questions, get answers, and connect with others who care about what’s happening right here in our hometown.
✅ Come curious. Leave empowered.
🗓️ TBD
📍 TBD |
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| Insights Series January 2026 Featured Guest Speaker: Carolyn Timmann |
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Get Involved – We Need You!
Your 70+ year old, non-profit, taxpayer watchdog organization works with volunteers. There are many county meetings (usually lasting only about 1 hour) that are open to the public. We ask volunteers to attend just one a month (some don't even meet that often) and become the "expert" on that particular committee. You will pick a committee meeting that interests you. Then report back to the MCTA. You need not write anything except notes for yourself. If you are interested in serving your community without investing a lot of time, please contact Darlene for further information at 772-285-7447 or mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com
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Keeping an eye on how our tax dollars are managed
For over 70 years, this volunteer non-profit organization has been the "Watch Dog" for
your Martin County Tax Dollars.
Your Donations Save You Tax Dollars!
Please consider a donation so we may continue for many years to come.
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Dear friends and supporters of MCTA,
Thoughts on MCTA - Hear what others have to say about MCTA
Please share your thoughts about MCTA and why it is important to you - we'll be sure to include you here. Send us and email mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com. (put "Newsletter Thoughts" in the subject line)
Are there topics you would like us to cover?
Send an email and we will do our best. mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com (put "Topic to Cover" in the subject line)
Please share this newsletter with everyone. The more we all know, the more power we have!
Martin County Taxpayer Association is an IRS registered 501 C3 – EIN: 59-0652292
~ All Donations Are Tax Deductible As Allowed By Law ~
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