TO: Board of County Commissioners
THROUGH: John A. Titkanich, Jr., County Administrator
Nancy A. Bunt, Assistant County Administrator
Addie Javed, P.E., Public Works Director
David Schryver, PSM, Assistant Public Works Director (Technical)
FROM: Justin Berner, Senior Engineer
DATE: July 1, 2025
SUBJECT: Rain Tree Corners Special Assessment Request
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BACKGROUND
Rain Tree Corners is a 16-home subdivision located at the intersection of 12th Street and 54th Avenue. The culvert situated at the entrance of 54th Ave has experienced significant structural degradation. During a major rain event several months ago, the culvert failed, resulting in the loss of vehicular access. In response, IRC Road & Bridge implemented a temporary fix by adding fill material and installing a large steel plate to restore access. However, this fix is not a long-term solution and will not prevent further degradation of the structure.
ANALYSIS
In an effort to address the issue, the homeowners have engaged contractors and engineers and have coordinated with both the Indian River Farms Water Control District (IRFWCD) and Indian River County Engineering. As part of the permitting process, IRFWCD has required the existing 60-inch culvert to be upsized to an 84-inch reinforced concrete pipe (RCP), significantly increasing the project's cost.
The total estimated cost for the culvert replacement is $300,000 or more. Due to the high cost, most homeowners are unable to contribute the full amount upfront. Consequently, they have petitioned the Public Works Department to assist by establishing a special assessment for their subdivision. Since this will be added to the resident's tax bill, the Property Appraiser and the Tax Collector will require a fee of 2% of the assessment levied to cover their expenses. The Budget Office also has to add a 5% fee for non-collectibles (per Florida Statute to cover non-payment and discounts for tax bills paid early). These fees will be in addition to the construction cost and interest charged on the assessment levied.
The Rain Tree Corners Homeowners Association (HOA) has provided the following documentation:
• A letter signed by 12 of the 16 homeowners supporting the request, along with map showing approved homes
• A paid-for and approved permit from IRFWCD
• An Indian River County “ready” right-of-way permit
• Signed and sealed engineered construction plans
• A construction proposal from CK Contractors & Development dated 7/3/2025
The HOA is formally requesting that the Board of County Commissioners authorize the creation of a special assessment to fund the culvert replacement project, with repayment to be collected through assessments on the individual properties within Rain Tree Corners. Once the special assessment is established, staff will develop and issue a formal solicitation for execution of the work as designed, with recommended award presented to the Board.
BUDGETARY IMPACT
There is no budgetary impact.
POTENTIAL FUTURE BOARD ACTIONS
Approval of an initial assessment and final assessment resolution. Award of bid for construction of culvert replacement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Board consider the Rain Tree Corners neighborhood request. Public Works staff supports the request because the existing culvert is not expected to last much longer, and it is in the best interest of all parties to move this forward as quickly as possible to ensure continued and safe access to the subdivision. If the Board approves the request, staff will proceed to prepare an initial assessment resolution to begin the process of creating a new capital project special assessment and obtain bids to come up with a final cost estimate. The project will not commence until the Board approves a final assessment resolution.