DUCK KEY – On the November 2016 general election ballot, the Monroe County Board of County Commissioners has placed two non-binding referenda questions that affect the Duck Key Security District, an entity that was created in 1992 and provides enhanced security services to the residents of Duck Key. These questions are only for Duck Key registered voters.

The County had been approached by the Duck Key Security District Advisory Board and other residents of Duck Key to consider the idea of replacing the Security District with another entity that has broader authority to address beautification and other improvements. Over the years, Security District funds have not been able to be used on several worthy projects because those projects were not security related.

Results of the referenda questions are non-binding. Any changes to the Security District ordinance would have to be enacted by the County Commission at a public hearing held after the November election.

The first referendum question asks: “Should Monroe County create the Duck Key Beautification and Improvement District and levy an initial non-ad valorem assessment in the amount of $300 per unimproved lot and $500 per improved lot for services to include security, beach erosion control, recreation services and facilities, landscaping, and canal maintenance and restoration services, which shall then replace the current Duck Key Security District and eliminate the current special assessment imposed for security services only?”

The second referendum question asks: “If the Duck Key Beautification and Improvement District is not approved by the voters, should Monroe County remove the current non-ad valorem special assessment cap for the Duck Key Security District of $30 per unimproved lot and $300 per improved lot and set the minimum assessment at $300 per year?” These additional funds could only be used by the Security District to enhance security services on Duck Key.

Every year, the BOCC must adopt an annual special assessment rate for the Duck Key Security District as part of the budget process. At this year’s final budget hearing on Sept. 12, the Board raised the special assessment rates for both improved and unimproved lots by 10% as is permitted under the 1992 ordinance that established the Security District.

There are 625 parcels on Duck Key: 372 improved lots and 253 unimproved lots. Under the current ordinance and the new assessment, the owners of improved lots will be assessed $220 each on their next tax bill, generating $81,840. The owners of the unimproved lots will be assessed $22 each, generating $5,566. The combined assessment will generate $87,406 for the next fiscal year.

Over the next five years, the assessments will generate $437,030. That figure is based upon three assumptions: 1) no additional lots will be preserved for conservation and thus removed from the tax rolls; 2) no unimproved lots will be developed, thus triggering a higher assessment; and 3) no increase in the current annual assessment.

If question 1 passes and the County Commission enacts the proposed changes, the assessment would raise $261,900 per year and $1.31 million over five years. This figure is also based upon the assumptions that no additional unimproved lots will be developed or preserved for conservation.

If question 1 fails but question 2 passes and the County Commission enacts the proposed changes, the assessment would generate a minimum of $187,500 per year and $937,500 over five years. This figure assumes no additional lots will be preserved and taken off the tax rolls and that the BOCC will levy the same assessment for improved and unimproved lots.

The referenda questions are posted on the supervisor of election’s website at Keyselections.org. Citizens also can use that website to help them register to vote as well as update or change their current voter registrations. Changes must be made by Oct. 11, 2016 in order to be effective for the general election on Nov. 8, 2016.