We, the undersigned, strongly oppose the proposed Municipal Service Benefit Unit (MSBU) and Municipal Service Taxing Unit (MSTU) assessments targeting only barrier island residents to fund Flagler County’s shoreline restoration shortfall.

Our objections are as follows:

Double Taxation: Barrier island residents already pay elevated property taxes due to higher property valuations, which should contribute to shared county expenses, including shoreline maintenance. Imposing additional taxes unfairly burdens one community for a benefit that serves all Flagler County residents.

County-Wide Benefit, Shared Responsibility: The shoreline is a public resource that protects infrastructure, supports tourism, and enhances natural beauty for all county residents and visitors. Its maintenance should be funded equitably by all who benefit, not disproportionately by one group based solely on proximity.

Uncertain Costs: The estimated $1.7 million annual shortfall is speculative and could balloon, creating an unchecked financial burden on barrier island residents. Precedent suggests such costs often escalate over time, exacerbating inequities.

Unfair Precedent: Singling out specific areas for localized taxation sets a dangerous precedent. Future public projects, such as recreation centers, infrastructure on the mainland, or dredging canals, could lead to similarly discriminatory assessments. Targeting specific groups for projects benefiting the entire county undermines fairness and sets an untenable standard.

Barrier Island Contributions Already Exceed Benefits: The barrier island contributes approximately 30% of the county's ad valorem tax revenue yet receives disproportionately fewer services. Essential services like library access are absent, and many communities manage their own infrastructure privately.

Community Unity Over Division: A sustainable solution lies in modestly increasing the countywide millage rate (e.g., an additional 0.1 mill) to spread the cost thinly across all county residents. This inclusive approach fosters unity and reflects the collective benefit of a healthy shoreline.
We urge Flagler County commissioners to reject the divisive MSBU/MSTU proposal and adopt an equitable funding model that fairly distributes the cost of shoreline restoration among all residents.

By signing below, we affirm our support for a fair and unified approach to funding Flagler County's critical shoreline restoration project.