MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. – Months since Brevard County commissioned a study on what it might cost to make Merritt Island a city, the final feasibility report concludes, “The initial impacts on residents of Merritt Island would be very limited. There would be no new ad valorem taxes.”
Three out of 4 voters said no to incorporation back in 1988, and in more recent years a proposal like this didn’t even have enough support to make it to the ballot.
“The last time was more than 10 years ago and obviously, there’s population shifts and peoples’ opinions change one way or another,” County Commissioner John Tobia said. “And we’ll give folks the opportunity to make the decision if the legislature sees fit.”
Merritt Island State Rep. Tyler Sirois said while the study claims incorporation would be financially neutral, a future city council could adopt different policies.
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The study also reads some businesses would be charged an additional annual business tax receipt or city license every year.
“With high-interest rates, inflation, and legislative reforms to the homeowner’s insurance market still evolving, I cannot in good conscience advance a policy that potentially increases the financial burden on families and small businesses,” Sirois wrote in a letter addressed to the Merritt Island Redevelopment Agency.
Without support from local lawmakers, voters will never have the chance to choose for themselves.
The commission voted 4-1 Thursday night to accept the feasibility study.
Tobia suggested the consultant behind the study hold a community meeting in Merritt Island for more engagement with citizens.
Every person who spoke during public comment period was opposed to the study and the idea of making Merritt Island a city.
You can read the study and Sirois’ letter below.
Final Feasibility Report July 2023.Doc f by Christie Zizo on Scribd
Merritt Island Incorporation by Christie Zizo on Scribd
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