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Penny for Pasco

Zephyrhills budget decreasing in 2020-2021

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The City of Zephyrhills has adopted its tentative budget for the upcoming fiscal year  — and it comes in slimmer than the current year, at $60,412,293.

The roughly $60.4 million budget for fiscal year 2020-2021 represents nearly an 8.8% decrease from this current fiscal year’s budget of $66,293,613. However, it’s slightly greater than the city’s budget two years ago of $59,433,368.

The Zephyrhills City Council had its first reading of the ordinance and first hearing on the proposed budget in a Sept. 14 regular meeting.

The council gave first-round approval, and will have a second reading and final reading before the new budget takes effect on Oct. 1.

The Zephyrhills City Council on Sept. 14 approved a $60,412,293 for fiscal year 2020-2021, based on a 6.35 millage rate. It represents a decrease of about $5.88 million, or 8.8% from the current budget. (File)

The proposed budget is based on an approved 6.35 millage rate, assessed on taxable value of property within the city.

At least one area where the city will begin to see marked savings is the merger of its fire department with Pasco County Fire Rescue. Savings in the first year of the interlocal agreement are tallied at $551,890 compared to the 2019-2020 budget of a fully funded municipal fire department.

The agreement (as well as extended employee benefits) will cost the city roughly $5.5 million total, generally spread out over a period of seven years. After fiscal year 2026-2027, the city won’t have to pay the county for fire rescue services — as it’d be solely propped up by an MSTU assessed to city residents and commercial entities, similar to how Dade City receives such services.

Here’s a rundown of some other proposed budget highlights by the city’s various departments:

Administrative/human resources:

  • 3.5% increase to total health care costs
  • 3% pay increase for employees won’t take effect until April 1, to give the city time to review revenues sources that may decrease as a result of COVID-19
  • City council and city attorney added to city’s 80/20 group health benefits plan
  • Administration expenses for personnel services increased by reclassifying the assistant city clerk position to a public information officer position
  • Human resources worker’s compensation decreased by $9,500 (3%), and property and casualty expenses increased by $51,914 (7%)

Airport:

  • $5.7 million state appropriation for the runway 1-19 extension
  • $800,000 fuel farm
  • $265,000 taxiway alpha design
  • $185,000 airfield beacons

Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):

  • Revenues expected to increase to $426,470
  • $100,000 building façade grants ($50,000 to rentals; $50,000 to non-rentals/commercial properties)
  • $50,000 sidewalk improvements

 Parks:

  • $60,000 tractor/finish mower
  • $150,000 playground equipment
  • $18,000 re-roof park restrooms
  • $13,500 security camera upgrades
  • $2,500 carpet cleaner

Police:

  • $255,000 for five new vehicles
  • $54,969 for administrative solutions and digital surveillance software, solar speed signs, bulletproof vests, and rifles
  • $29,500 for police laptops and server (funded under IT)

Public Works:

  • $500,000 street resurfacings
  • $275,000 Stormwater Master Plan update
  • $80,000 tree chipper
  • $50,000 sign maintenance truck
  • $35,000 retention pond fencing
  • $30,000 pickup truck for building maintenance
  • $21,000 diagnostic scanner software for heavy vehicles, maintenance building awning/rain splash guards and overhead shop fans

Sanitation:

  • $300,000 new front load commercial garbage truck
  • $40,000 curotto-can cart lift
  • $10,000 city yard security cameras
  • $2,500 diagnostic scanner software for heavy vehicles

Water major projects:

  • $1.5 million water line from Phelps Road to Simons Road along Fort King Road
  • $1 million design of utilities building and land clearing
  • $800,000 water line from Alston Avenue to Tucker Road along U.S. 301
  • $150,000 line replacement
  • $80,000 generator for well No. 12
  • $75,000 for two new utility trucks
  • $75,000 GIS mapping
  • $70,000 well rehabilitation
  • $30,000 supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system

Wastewater major projects:

  • $1.5 million reclaimed water line from Zephyrhills High School to Zephyr Lakes along Dairy Road
  • $1 million surge tank
  • $425,000 new vac truck
  • $350,000 sewer line replacement
  • $350,000 rehabilitation of three lift stations
  • $200,000 rehabilitation of approximately 100 manholes
  • $75,000 lift station generator
  • $70,000 digester cleaning
  • $60,000 new truck
  • $30,000 sludge holding tank coating

Aside from big-ticket departmental expenses, the city budgeted $2.3 million for U.S. 301/Pretty Pond intersection improvements, which is coming from a state appropriation; and $1.1 million towards County Road 54 improvements east of Hercules Park, funded via Penny for Pasco revenues. Elsewhere, the city allocated $40,000 in funding for the East Pasco Family YMCA, and $14,000 for youth sports program grants.

Published September 23, 2020

Zephyrhills wants more data before setting tax rate

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Zephyrhills property owners will have to wait a bit longer before finding out the property tax rate for fiscal year 2020-2021.

The Zephyrhills City Council tabled setting a tentative millage rate, until information on projected revenue streams is provided from the Florida Legislature’s Office of Economic & Demographic Research (EDR).

The consensus decision came during a July 13 regular council meeting.

Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe (Courtesy of Billy Poe)

A memo from city staff recommended setting the tentative millage rate at 6.35 — the rate the city has maintained for several years.

However, Zephyrhills City Manager Billy Poe advised council members to hold off on a decision until more concrete projections are available from the EDR on various revenue sources, including communications services tax, Penny for Pasco, local government half-cent sales tax, local option fuel tax and the municipal revenue sharing program.

Once the council adopts a proposed millage rate, it can be decreased but cannot be increased unless the city mails a notice to each taxpayer.

Poe told the council he’s “pretty positive” the city won’t need to set a millage rate higher than 6.35. But, the city manager warned: “With everything that’s going on, we don’t want to have to set the millage rate too low, if we have to increase.”

A mill represents $1 in tax for every $1,000 worth of a property’s assessed value.

In Zephyrhills, maintaining a rate of 6.35 mills would levy about $5.32 million in property taxes — a revenue increase of almost $380,000, compared to last year, according to the memo.

The figures are based on the total city’s property value of nearly $838 million, an increase of $63.8 million over last year; $28.7 million of that increase is attributable to new construction.

Reports from the EDR are expected in time for the July 27 council meeting, Poe said.

Once the city sets a tentative millage rate, the council will conduct two public hearings in September before adopting a final rate.

The delay in receiving EDR reports won’t have an impact on budget preparations, Poe said, noting that various department heads have been in such discussions.

With that, the city manager outlined considerations and projects that likely will need to be factored into the city’s next budget. Those include:

  • 911 Public Service Answering Point (PSAP) agreement with Pasco County
  • Funding for the East Pasco Family YMCA
  • Payouts for all city fire rescue personnel, as part of a merger with Pasco Fire Rescue
  • Funding for a business/job incentive program, in conjunction with the county
  • Increased wages for Zephyrhills Police Department officers — negotiated last year through its police union
  • Life Scan Physical program for police department
  • Stormwater Master Plan funding
  • Retirement payouts
  • Simons Road Phase II design
  • Installing a crosswalk between the subdivisions connecting Sarah Vande Berg Tennis & Wellness Center and Silverado Golf & Country Club, on the east side of Simons Road
  • Increased animal control costs
  • Increased retirement costs
  • Trail System Master Plan funding
  • Sidewalk improvements within the city’s Community Redevelopment Area (CRA)
  • County Road 54 improvement costs
  • Agenda software upgrades
  • Renovations to the Hercules Park property

Published July 22, 2020

Mickens Field improvements underway in Dade City

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Construction on a new concession/public restroom building at Mickens Field soon will be underway, with completion targeted for the end of October.

The Dade City Commission awarded the bid and approved contract to Borregard Construction Inc., for the project, at 14318 Canal St., in Dade City.

Completion of a new concession building at Mickens Field in Dade is expected by Oct. 31. (File)

The action came during a June 23 virtual meeting by a 4-1 vote, with Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon casting a dissenting vote.

The city has $150,000 budgeted for the project, funded through the local government infrastructure surtax, also known as Penny for Pasco.

Borregard posted the lowest bid among six proposals received, in the amount of $89,750.

The company’s bid is all-inclusive and in compliance with specifications included in the city’s request for proposal, per a memo from Dade City Manager Leslie Porter.

That was a point of contention at a previous commission meeting on June 9.

City staff initially recommended entering contract negotiations with Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., who generated the highest evaluation score among six proposals and a bid of $113,727.

While the lowest bidder, Borregard’s evaluation score ranked fifth of sixth proposals, as city staff explained the company did not submit all requested information.

But, Commissioner Jim Shive disagreed with staff’s recommendation earlier this month, suggesting the city simply proceed with the lowest bidder, Borregard, a Dade City-based company with a 20-year running relationship with the city.

He reasoned the city should be more conservative with construction projects near-term, citing possible budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and cost overruns on previous projects.

He also argued the project — a 672-square-foot concrete block structure and roof — shouldn’t be a complicated undertaking for any construction company.

The decision was tabled until the June 23 meeting, so the city manager could review the matter and make another recommendation.

The Mickens Field building has a target completion date of Oct. 31. The old concession/restroom structure was demolished in late May by the city’s public works department.

In other action, commissioners unanimously approved preliminary construction plans for Hilltop Estates, a 250 single-family lot subdivision on 61 acres of land, situated off of U.S. 301 and Clinton Avenue.

Some other citywide updates shared during the meeting:

  • Downtown sidewalk pressure washing is scheduled for July 5.
  • The City Hall lobby will be open to customers beginning on July 6. Masks will be required and visitors will not be allowed in staff areas.
  • Utility billing turnoffs and late fees will resume in August.
  • The city has applied for a grant through the Florida Redevelopment Association, for transportation enhancements to the Roy Hardy Trail.
  • City staff is gathering information on wayfinding signage, and will schedule a presentation at an upcoming commission meeting for further input and direction.
  • Dade City Manager Leslie Porter is seeking to temporarily outsource the city finance director functions to a freelance accountant who has worked with other local governments, until a permanent replacement can be found.
  • Sarah Rader was sworn in as deputy city clerk, taking over for Erika Cordoba, who is now working in the city’s planning and zoning department.

Commissioners farewell

Dade City Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon (Courtesy of City of Dade City)

The June 23 virtual meeting marked a farewell for Mayor Pro Tem Eunice Penix and Commissioner Nicole Deese Newlon. Neither commissioner sought re-election.

Penix, a retired schoolteacher, served as a commissioner for nearly 27 years, dating back to August 1993.

Newlon, a commercial law attorney, served one four-year term after being elected in a three-way race in April 2016.

Penix took time to deliver some parting words to thank the Dade City community: “I’m grateful for the citizens of Dade City for allowing me to serve them for 27 years. I am so honored. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love all of you.”

Newlon did not offer any comments.

Dade City Mayor Pro-Tem Eunice Penix

Fellow commissioners, meanwhile, shared positive words to Penix and Newlon for their dedication and service to the municipality.

They lauded Penix for her smile, wisdom and powerful invocations, while Newlon was regarded for her tenacity and overall sense of humor.

Some Dade City residents also weighed in, to recognize the outgoing commissioners for their contributions over the years.

Dade City resident Clyde Carter, a minister at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, said: “We do appreciate everything that they’ve done during their tenures, and continue to do things even past their tenures in the community. I do want to give a shout out this evening and we thank them very much from a community standpoint.”

Dade City resident Christopher King, who operates a youth mentorship charity and is running for Penix’s vacated commission seat, echoed similar sentiments: “I wanted to just say thank you to Commissioner Penix and Commissioner Newlon for their time and service on the commission, and their commitment to the community. All the things they have done is a tribute to their work ethic, loyalty and patronage to Dade City….and we will miss you dearly.”

Published July 1, 2020

Mickens Field concessions building tabled, for now

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Long-anticipated facilities improvements to Mickens Field, 14318 Canal St., will be delayed just a little bit longer.

The Dade City Commission tabled the Mickens Field concession and public restroom building project, after some disagreement on contractor selection. The decision came during a June 9 virtual commission meeting.

Here’s the issue: City staff in a memo recommended entering contract negotiations with Ryman Construction of Florida Inc., who had the highest evaluation score among six proposals (75.51), and a bid of  $113,727. Should a deal fail with Ryman, staff recommended to then enter into the second-highest ranked bidder, Leonard Contractors, who’s bid came in at $100,834.

However, Commissioner Jim Shive disagreed with the recommendation.

He suggested the city instead go with the lowest bidder overall. That’s Borregard Construction Inc., whose proposal came in at $89,750 and evaluation score (64.22) ranked fifth among six proposals.

Shive reasoned the city should be more conservative with construction projects near-term, citing possible budgetary impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and cost overruns on previous projects.

The Mickens Field building project shouldn’t be a complicated undertaking for any construction company, he said. He also noted that Borregard has a 20-year running relationship with the city.

The city has $150,000 budgeted for the project, funded through the local government infrastructure surtax, or Penny for Pasco.

“We have a potential to save $60,000, which we could utilize in other areas. Why would we not take that opportunity to save that kind of money?” Shive questioned. “We’re talking about a 672-square-foot building. It’s basically a block with a roof. It’s not rocket science, it’s cut-and-dry.”

City Engineer Abu Nazmurreza was not one of the four city staffers involved in the evaluation process, but pointed out that Borregard did not submit all of the requested information — which is why the company didn’t warrant a higher evaluation score, or primary or secondary recommendation. The city engineer also noted Ryman has completed similar projects in neighboring cities and scored high in all areas of the original request for proposals, except in the final dollar amount.

With looming indecision, commissioners agreed to have City Manager Leslie Porter review the matter and come back with a final determination at the next meeting on June 23.

Mayor Camille Hernandez said Shive “brought up some very valid points” regarding the project’s selection process.

“Hopefully, we can try to straighten this out,” the mayor said. “I know we have talked about (Mickens Field) for many, many years, so we’re excited to see that coming to fruition, and hopefully, a reality by October or before year’s end.”

The project had an initial target completion date of mid-October. The old concession/restroom structure was demolished in late May by city public works.

Published June 17, 2020

More small businesses to get county grants

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The Pasco County Commission on May 4 provided $5 million more in funding for small business grants — bringing the total to $7 million — to help small businesses that have been struggling because of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19 pandemic.

The money is coming from Penny for Pasco funds, which are generated through a voter-approved additional 1 cent in sales tax revenues to help cover identified Pasco County needs. A portion of that funding was earmarked for economic development.

Commissioners have been working with the Pasco Economic Development Council Inc., a nonprofit agency that focuses on attracting new businesses to Pasco, and helping existing businesses.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created an economic crisis, as businesses were forced to close to reduce the potential spread of the deadly virus.

As a result, business revenues have plummeted and scores of the businesses that have been shuttered might be closed for good.

Commissioners have been working with the Pasco EDC, which has administered the grant program.

Commissioners approved $2 million initially, with grants of up to $5,000 for qualifying businesses.

But, that $2 million fell far short of the need, with more than 1,400 companies applying for  the grants within the first 24 hours.

Out of the first 450 applications received, 405 qualified for a total of $1,965,000 in grants, according to the Pasco EDC.

The additional funding is expected to provide funding for the remaining qualifying companies, among those who have already submitted applications.

Published May 20, 2020

Dade City taking recovery steps in the midst of pandemic

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As Florida begins to slowly reopen in the midst of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), the City of Dade City is likewise looking to bring City Hall operations up to full speed, in multiple stages.

City administration and department heads are in the process of developing an action plan “to recall the full complement of our field staff very soon,” Dade City Manager Leslie Porter said, at an April 28 virtual city commission meeting.

She added: “We know we need to be mindful for the need for sustainability and follow the guidelines from the president and our governor.”

The city has been utilizing split-shifts and having many staff work remotely the last several weeks, at both City Hall and in the maintenance field yard.

Porter also told commissioners the impact on the city’s budget from COVID-19 is unknown to this point, but anticipates there will be some hit from sales tax and Penny for Pasco monies.

“At this time, staff is looking to see if there’s any discretionary spending that can be put on hold. We’ll be entering our new budget cycle soon and also keeping an eye as to where we might be able to save money there,” Porter said.

Meanwhile,  Commissioner Jim Shive advised that the city’s public works department take additional measures to clean up the downtown, noting it’s an opportune time with less business and leisure activity in the area because of the coronavirus.

Shive suggested mulching parking lot landscapes and pressure washing sidewalks, among other measures “to get the downtown looking good.”

“As we’re phasing in the workforce, we need to look at getting some things done downtown while there’s very little traffic down there,” he said.

In other action, the commission:

  • Approved a zoning amendment ordinance recategorizing 64.18 acres of land at the Dade City Business Center on U.S. 301, from Pasco County IH (Industrial Heavy) to Dade City PD-EC (Planned Development-Employment Center). The new PD-EC zoning allows design flexibility and a mix of office, research, light industrial, limited commercial and residential uses.
  • Approved a change order to the Hardy Trail Extension construction project, calling for an additional 120.59 tons of asphalt in the amount of $21,103.25. Contractor Cone & Graham Inc. had to use more asphalt than designer CPH Engineers Inc. originally estimated for certain locations and settings, according to a city memo.

The next virtual commission meeting is set for May 12 at 5:30 p.m. Persons wishing to attend meetings may do so by calling (571) 317-3122 with Access Code 342-617-085.

For additional information, residents or interested parties may contact the City Clerk by email at , or call (352) 523-5052.

Published May 06, 2020

$2 million in grants aim to help Pasco businesses

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The Pasco Economic Development Council Inc. (Pasco EDC), received more than 1,400 applications, before cutting applications off, for a grant program aimed at providing $2 million in assistance to small businesses.

Pasco EDC partnered with Pasco County to provide this relief grant program for small businesses affected by coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Penny for Pasco revenues will be used to provide the relief.

Besides creating a global medical crisis, COVID-19 has caused an economic meltdown, as businesses have been shuttered to prevent potential spread of the deadly virus.

Bill Cronin, president and CEO of the Pasco EDC, outlined the emergency business program during an April 21 virtual Pasco County Commission meeting.

Cronin explained the idea was to provide up to $5,000 grants to eligible small businesses — based on a first-come, first-served basis.

If every business received $5,000, that would provide grants for 400 businesses, Cronin said.

Commissioner Jack Mariano praised the grant program.

“To actually find out a way to help the small businesses, especially in this tough time, I think is phenomenal,” he said.

But, Mariano asked if smaller grants could be given. Some small businesses might not need the entire $5,000, and more could be helped if they don’t.

Cronin responded: “You do need to make sure that it’s able to make an impact. At $5,000, you can actually cover a rent payment or a mortgage payment, or at least something the landlord would be willing to take. Right now, we’ve identified there is $2 million to use for this fund.”

Commission Chairman Mike Moore agreed with Cronin that the grant should be large enough to make an impact.

Commissioner Ron Oakley observed: “Those 400 small businesses are going to go in a hurry, I think.”

Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said: “I’m very grateful for this effort.”

The board approved the emergency grant program on April 21 and, by 6 p.m., on April 22 the Pasco EDC stopped accepting applications.

The applications are being vetted and applicants will be informed of their status soon, according to a Pasco EDC news release.

Businesses must meet a number of requirements and cannot have more than 25 employees.

The review committee includes bankers and county staff.

No county commissioners are part of the committee, Moore noted, during the board discussion of the grant program.

Published April 29, 2020

Dade City seeks feedback on new park

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The City of Dade City is seeking community and resident input for its newest park — what’s being hyped as a downtown splash park/bike hub.

Public meetings to gather input on the project’s finer details are scheduled for March 5 at 5:30 p.m., and March 12 at 1:30 p.m., while a draft conceptual presentation is scheduled for March 16 at 6 p.m. Each of those meetings will be at the Dade City Commission Chambers, 38020 Meridian Ave., in Dade City.

Dade City has set several public meetings to seek input on a future multi-million dollar downtown splash park/bike hub. Shown here is an initial rendering of the project, which will be situated near the Hardy Trailhead on Church Avenue. (File)

The City Commission in October approved an $800,000 land purchase for a 2.23-acre parcel near the Hardy Trailhead on Church Avenue to be the site of the future park. (The contract sale price totals $1.3 million, but the property owners have agreed to donate the difference toward the park project.)

A preliminary concept plan for the park has called for a multi-use water splash pad, bike-share shelter, amphitheater, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-accessible playground, open space, a concession area and other amenities. Funding for the project is expected to come from city reserve funds, Penny for Pasco revenues and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG). Meanwhile, the Pasco County Tourist Development Council has allocated $250,000 for the recreational project.

After residents and city officials weigh in on the project, the next steps include finalizing a master plan, and then moving onto a final design and engineered site plan.

The park likely will be completed in phases over the next several years, officials have said, starting with the bike hub, which could break ground sometime this year, in partnership with the county’s tourism office.

City leaders have discussed building a splash park/bike hub the past few years, with the idea it could help revitalize the downtown business district, while offering another healthy recreational outlet for local youth, residents and visitors.

For more information, call the Dade City Planning Department at (352) 521-1493.

Published March 4, 2020

Remembering Pete ‘Hutch’ Brock II, a community servant

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Pete Hutchinson “Hutch” Brock II, a former Dade City mayor who was active in community life — passed away on Jan. 26, at age 54.

Brock served on the Dade City Commission from 2000 to 2004, then as Dade City’s mayor from 2004 to 2008, according to an obituary posted on the Hodges Family Funeral Home website.

“While he was mayor, we had an unprecedented period of annexations – undeveloped property coming into the city of Dade City,” current Commissioner Scott Black told The Laker/Lutz News. “He was looking out for the future sustainability of the city.”

Besides his work as an attorney, involvement in civic life and community service, Pete Hutchison ‘Hutch’ Brock II enjoyed outdoor activities and leisure time with family. (Courtesy of Hodges Family Funeral Home)

Brock also was involved in efforts to revitalize Dade City’s downtown and preserve its historic character, according to current Dade City Mayor Camille Hernandez.

He “brought enthusiasm to the office of mayor” and his leadership left a distinct impression, she said.

“His focus on maintaining the historic charm of Dade City will not be forgotten,” Hernandez added.

Details of his public service were noted on the funeral home’s website and circulated by The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce.

Brock was an advocate for youth.

He served on the board of the Pasco Education Foundation, and he supported the work of the Boys & Girls Club in Lacoochee.

He gave of his time and talents for 20 years to Sunrise of Pasco County, an organization that provides shelter and services for survivors of domestic violence.

He maintained memberships with Rotary Clubs in Dade City and Wesley Chapel, and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served on the administrative council at his church, too.

Other areas of involvement included advocating for the renewal of Penny for Pasco, a tax initiative that increases Pasco County revenue; and, supporting the efforts of East and Central Pasco Habitat for Humanity, which helps families and individuals obtain affordable housing.

He was a sports enthusiast.

He played baseball and football in his youth, and coached youth baseball, flag football and soccer. He enjoyed outdoor activities, such as boating and fishing.

As a graduate of the University of Florida, he was an unabashed Gator fan.

Born on April 5, 1965, Brock grew up in Dade City. He attended Pasco High School before transferring to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, where he graduated.

After high school, he attended the University of Pennsylvania, before transferring in 1984 to the University of Florida, where he met his wife, Natalie.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration degree in 1987, then a law degree in 1990.

He was hired by Fowler White, a legal firm in Tampa, where he remained four years before moving back to his hometown and becoming a legal partner at Dade City’s Johnson, Auvil, Brock & Pratico, P.A. He remained there for over 17 years.

He launched his own practice, Brock Law LLC, in Wesley Chapel, in 2012. His legal work focused on personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect and employment disputes.

He and his wife, Natalie, had three sons, Carson, Coleman and Connor Mack, and a daughter, Ashton. Besides his wife and children, he is survived by his father Pete, and two sisters, Nancy and Haley.

Tributes on the funeral home’s website describe Brock as a great man, whose death is a loss for the community.

Commissioner Black seems to share that opinion.

“He’s always going to be revered, that’s for sure. He’ll have that legacy,” Black said.

Published February 05, 2020

Former county spray field to become industrial park

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A 99-acre spray field on Old Pasco Road is poised to become an industrial park, which is expected to employ hundreds — under actions approved last week by the Pasco County Commission.

First, commissioners approved a staff recommendation to declare the property as surplus — making it available for sale.

Then, commissioners approved a proposed incentive package to encourage the Rooker Company, based in Atlanta, to create an industrial park on the land.

Commissioners also approved a purchase and sale agreement, providing a variety of conditions are met.

The property is about one-third mile south of the intersection with Overpass Road, which is where an interchange is planned with Interstate 75.

David Engel, Pasco County’s economic growth manager, briefed commissioners on the background of the deal at their Dec. 10 meeting.

Engel said the county received an unsolicited bid in the spring from the Rooker Company, to purchase the property for $2,850,000.

The company had calculated there would be 57 acres of developable land associated with this property, Engel said. Some of the remainder is needed for right of way for the I-75 interchange project and the widening of Old Pasco Road, while there’s also land needed for stormwater retention, there are hydrologic areas and there are designated wetlands.

“After an extensive amount of negotiation, the purchase price proposal has been increased to $3,596,500,” Engel said.

The purchase agreement is contingent upon compliance with the Master Planned Unit Development approved for the site in the spring of 2018, Engel added.

There are three conditions of sale:

  • The developer and the county must enter into a cooperative funding agreement for the first phase of development, which is 400,000 square feet. The total concept master plan is approximately 900,000 square feet of industrial construction.
  • Pasco County must remove the existing decommissioned wastewater infrastructure from the site. It also must regrade the property and install the basins.
  • The company must obtain all necessary land approvals for phase one.

Engel pointed out to commissioners: “The developer will be paying us for land that will be committed to road widening and also for the I-75 interchange.”

In a separate action, commissioners also approved an economic incentive to encourage the company to create new jobs.

County staff recommended $3.7 million in incentives.

“That amounts to $9.25 a square foot, which is the most economical incentive brought to the board so far, since the Penny (for Pasco, which supports economic incentives) was enacted in 2015,” Engel said.

The proposed first phase of the project calls for a 400,000-square-foot industrial park, which represents a $26.5 million investment, Engel said.

The first phase will create 427 direct and indirect jobs, and is expected to contribute to the gross county project, Engel added. “That’s a 13 to 1 ROI (Return on Investment),” he said.

Commissioners also agreed to an amendment to the agreement for sale and purchase that requires the county add to its five-year capital improvement plan — the widening of a section of Old Pasco Road to four lanes, from the south entrance of the property to Overpass Road, to four lanes.

Also, the financing — by a party other than the buyer —for the design, permitting and construction of the Old Pasco segment must be in place, such that the section of the Old Pasco be in place prior to the first certificate of occupancy for individual tenant premises for buildings within the project.

Commission Chairman Mike Moore said “We want to make sure that’s widened.”

Engel also noted that the design for the industrial park is “attractive, tilt-up industrial-style buildings. It’s a scale and prominence that has yet to be constructed here in Pasco.”
Commissioner Kathryn Starkey said  “I’m especially excited about the prospect for manufacturing at this site.”

Cason Bufe, vice president of real estate for Rooker, said the company is a family owned real estate business that began when Jack Rooker developed the company’s first industrial building in Atlanta.

Since then, it has developed and constructed more than 50 million square feet of industrial facilities across the Southeast United States, he said.

Rooker’s son, John, now manages the business and “has set a strategy that has led us to invest in pro-growth municipalities in Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia,” Bufe said.

“We have a proven track record in developing business parks of this kind, and public-private partnerships with government entities, and I applaud Pasco County for having the vision to create the Penny for Pasco program, rezone this property and invest in the new interchange at Overpass Road and I-75. Each of those factors was critical to us. We look forward to working side-by-side with the county to attract quality jobs and grow the tax base for Pasco County and its citizens.”

Published December 18, 2019