To help reach a concensus on recommendations to the BOCC regarding action on the Banyan Village transmission line and distribution network construction projects and whether to wait on a possible USDA grant decision, the PLUS Advisory members were polled individually by John Capece prior to a meeting with Shane Parker, County Engineer, and Ron Zimmerly, Grants and Special Projects Director.  The PLUS Advisory Board members were informed of the following considerations and asked their opinions.

Don’t Wait on USDA Grant Decision: 

1. We have good bids in hand, cost will go up if rebid
2. Upon closer inspection, USDA may find they can’t fund the Banyan network component ($5.8 million) since it is backed by special assessments.
3. We are very late on the project and the BOCC may face pressures to move forward ASAP.
4. Tax assessments have gone up very high on the lots, as if they were currently buildable.  Lot owners will not be pleased with additional delays.

Wait on USDA Grant Decision: 

1. USDA “said” there is a high probability of us getting assistance
2. Less impact on Hendry County debt capacity
3. Less impact on lot owner assessments in Banyan and outside Banyan
4. Capital funds needs for upcoming waste water improvements

Options:

1. Move forward with impendent financing.
2. Wait on USDA decision
3. Split transmission line from Banyan network, wait on USDA grant for transmission line.
4. Adjust assessments to cover full cost of Banyan network (from $1640 to

ADVISORY BOARD EXPRESSED OPINIONS 

George Davis:

- Advises that we wait for USDA funds and to consider options other than the pipeline.

- We are required to “strive to” provide this service to Banyan.

Han Mouthaan, Ricky Bass, Paul Samerdyke, Harold Reecer:

- Prices will go up, best to move forward now

- Tax impact of higher assessments on lots supports moving forward fast

- Lot owners have waited too long already.  No more delays.