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The Martin County FAIR and the Economic Development Toolkit were the major bones of contention in December. The Fair will be held only 2 more times at the Dixie Hwy site. They have been negotiating a move out to Citrus Blvd near Indiantown for years now. The FAIR board presented a lease for the 30+ acre site only to be chastised by Commissioner Vargas for the sin of the FAIR board which breached the spirit of their lease by charging a Buick dealership to house cars on the otherwise unused grounds. When grilled by Vargas as to why the FAIR didn’t offer up the proceeds to the County, the confused current FAIR representative explained the approximate $21,000 received was going support operations at the FAIR. Oh, and they “weren’t asked”. There was also some confusion as to whether the policies and procedures of the FAIR would allow camping. At the end of a testy back and forth, and striking out any possibility of camping, the 10-year lease was approved with 3 more 10-year options to renew.
Commissioners Vargas and Heard were NOT in favor of the Business Development Board’s Economic Toolkit. Corporate welfare and taxpayer funded breaks for businesses were some of their reasons. But wait, any funds distributed would be a reimbursement for the businesses determined by their capital outlay. Meaning that those businesses would have a real stake in succeeding and remaining in Martin County. For that reason, Assistant County Administrator George Stokus described the toolkit as “innovative” in Florida. The BOCC will vote on every business to receive any of the “tools” in the kit which is another safety measure the MCTA finds satisfying. As Commissioners Ciampi and Hetherington pointed out the County needs to diversify. According to Ciampi’s source, Martin County has only 4% of its tax base in commercial and industrial properties. Most counties have 10%. The MCTA has been told by economists that 1/2 of a healthy county’s tax base should be C & I. Commissioner Ciampi rightly pointed out that should the voters remove property taxation as a revenue source in the next election, there will be a “shortfall”. For example, the County must maintain the conservation lands which they have bought with 2024’s referendum. Some of the tools in the kit are:
- Opportunity Fund – reimbursement grants to businesses with a minimum $10M investment, capped at $1M per project.
- Local Closing Fund – gap filling grants for critical projects with a minimum $5M investment and $500k per project.
- Expedited Permitting – accelerates development review and permitting.
- Training and Workforce Grants – reimbursements for employee training, support for transportation and childcare. (MCTA recommends the free fare MARTY system! Perhaps the county could install executive suites on them).
- Industrial Development Authority Bonds – facilitates access to tax-exempt financing.
- Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Program – these will be awarded through a scoring process and can last up to 10 years.
Again, the BOCC will vote on every application. To have nothing to offer if competing with another county doesn’t make a lot of sense.
Parks and Rec presented their Master Plan. Director Kevin Abatte explained that P&R’s expenses are roughly $17,500,000 annually. Some of the 74 county parks make money such as Phipps Park Campground, the hitting bays at Sailfish Sands Golf Course and the Seaside Café at Stuart Beach. He credits these money makers with recovering about 53% of the costs to the taxpayers. Going forward, Abatte plans a feasibility study for an indoor sports facility.
Under development news…Martin Commerce Park located on approximately 167 acres in western Palm City will donate 5.7 acres toward a fire/rescue station and pay for the installation of a traffic light. Both are much needed in that area. MCTA says thank you not just for that, but for helping to diversify our economy. They will pay $3,000,000 in impact fees to the County, $1,200,000 in annual property taxes and $600,000 in annual tangible personal property taxes. As Commissioner Ciampi pointed out the looming elimination of property taxes may not affect other, more economically diversified counties as much as it will affect Martin County which relies so heavily on homesteaded property tax.
A new phrase to add to the County’s lexicon…”Accessory Dwelling Units” or aka guesthouses was addressed. Commissioner Ciampi explained how Hilton Head residents rent out their Furnished Room Over Garage (FROG) as affordable housing. Commissioners Heard and Vargas expressed doubts. Commissioner Heard saying that it effectively creates a density of 2 where 1 building was originally allowed. MCTA does not think allowing ADUs to be built according to guidelines will double the population of the County. Commissioner Ciampi pointed out that these residences will probably never be noticed considering their location in back yards. They could in effect thwart somewhat the building of more relatively unsightly affordable housing.
Kudos to Commissioners Ciampi and Hetherington who insisted that a public meeting be held during hours when the public could attend…after 5 pm. On Jan. 6th it will be determined whether the owner of property on Gomez in Hobe Sound which used to be a carnation nursery, will be designated a Brownfield. This would allow the owners to seek a tax credit for their efforts to clean up the environmentally damaged property. This issue affects many of the neighboring residents so it certainly should be heard after 5 pm.
The BOCC voted to accept the FIND (Florida Inland Navigation District) grant of $350,000 to restore the Manatee Park Seawall (in Port Salerno). This will require a county match of the same amount.
It was agreed to increase the Supervisor of Elections budget to pay for $457,867 worth of voting equipment. To her credit, the County’s SOE, Vicki Davis, has been saving for this. So, it will cost the County no additional dollars. Fifty older voting machines circa 2008, servers and software will be replaced because the manufacturer is refusing to service them any longer. (A business model of sorts, we suppose. ![emoji face happy 11136821 Vector Art at Vecteezy]() )
The County’s budget director Stephanie Merle, happily announced that the County is paying off $7 million in debt. Even including the final payment for the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge!
$2.2 million, a bridge loan of sorts, to cover health insurance premiums which have outpaced revenue. (They do nearly every year.) The money does get “paid back” to the general fund. This is basically an accouting entry.
A continuing service agreement to provide, repair and install cable sites throughout the County not to exceed $1M over 5 years was agreed to.
It was approved to move forward with Step 1 of the process in cooperation with “Building Tomorrow’s Schools” unsolicited proposal to build a 114,000 square foot MUCH NEEDED public works complex. It is a $74,000,000 project which has been discussed for approximately 25 years. The company is projecting a completion date of July, 2027. 😁
A grant of $769,125 will be requested to partially (the County will pay $19,500) fund 2,900 feet of sidewalk construction connecting NW Palm Lake Dr and NW Crescent Dr to NW 13th Terrace (near North River Shores) and NW US1 complete with ADA compliance and benches. Public Works will also apply for an FDOT grant for a sidewalk where none exists currently on NE Rosetree Dr and NE Lake Ave which will help ensure a safe way for children to get to the Jensen Beach Elementary School. This grant will be $987,000 from FDOT. No cost to the County.
The County will accept a state-funded emergency management accreditation grant of $45,280.
The County will accept a FDOH Emergency Medical Services grant quarterly disbursement of $6,304.
The County will contract for the construction of Coral Gardens septic to sewer in the amount of $14,086,089 which is funded in part by the State. |
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Children’s Services Council, by Executive Director Laura Haase
The Children’s Services Council of Martin County approved up to $20,000 in partnership grant funding, with matching dollars from the Community Foundation Martin–St. Lucie, to support an afterschool literacy tutoring program for up to 300 children in grades K–5 who are struggling with reading. The funding will support after-school instruction provided by Martin County School District teachers at J.D. Parker, SeaWind, and Port Salerno Elementary Schools. In addition, private funding was secured to offer the same literacy tutoring program at Warfield Elementary School in Indiantown.
Reading proficiency is foundational to student progress and helps prevent early learning gaps from compounding, making early intervention critical for long-term academic success.
The grant was awarded to the Education Foundation of Martin County, which will provide program oversight, while the Martin County School District will provide transportation and snacks. This collaborative partnership reflects a shared commitment to leveraging public and private resources responsibly to improve literacy outcomes for students most in need.
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Martin County School Board
A decision was finally made about converting the old Marin County School Building on Ocean Blvd. into a Martin Arts facility. Executive Director for the Arts Council of Martin County is Nancy Turrell, who has led the organization since 1999, said that the prohibition on the sale of alcohol would make her plan unworkable. The project had an estimated cost of $30,000,000. Board member Marsha Powers pointed out that school enrollment is wanning, and the district is still maintaining the facility. She also indicated that the district should shed itself of unproductive assets. The MCTA agrees. It’s time to put it up for sale. |
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Confused About All These Topics?
Check Out Our New Free Event
Insight Series
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Insights Series
🗣️ Let’s Talk Local: What No One Told You (But Should Have)
A Community Briefing on Where Your Tax Dollars Are Really Going
Ever wonder where your money’s going—and who’s deciding how it’s spent? This eye-opening event pulls back the curtain on how your local tax dollars are allocated, who’s behind the decisions, and what it means for you, your neighborhood, and your future.
🧠 Get the inside scoop from our featured local guest speaker
🤝 Network with movers, shakers, and change-makers
🍴 Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar in a relaxed setting
📣 Gain the knowledge—and the voice—you didn’t know you needed
Featured Guest Speaker: Carolyn Timmann
She will cover the financials of last year within Martin County and provide time for Q&A.
This isn’t your average community meeting. It’s your chance to ask questions, get answers, and connect with others who care about what’s happening right here in our hometown.
✅ Come curious. Leave empowered.
🗓️ January 22, 2026 from 4:30 to 6:30
📍 Schnitzel Haus, 5687 SE Crooked Oak Ave, Hobe Sound 33455 (South of Cove Road)
Open to the Public - Free - Bring Your Friends
RSVP HERE
Sponsored by Ashley Capital |
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Get Involved – We Need You!
Your 70+ year old, non-profit, taxpayer watchdog organization works with volunteers. There are many county meetings (usually lasting only about 1 hour) that are open to the public. We ask volunteers to attend just one a month (some don't even meet that often) and become the "expert" on that particular committee. You will pick a committee meeting that interests you. Then report back to the MCTA. You need not write anything except notes for yourself. If you are interested in serving your community without investing a lot of time, please contact Darlene for further information at 772-285-7447 or mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com
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Keeping an eye on how our tax dollars are managed
For over 70 years, this volunteer non-profit organization has been the "Watch Dog" for
your Martin County Tax Dollars.
Your Donations Save You Tax Dollars!
Please consider a donation so we may continue for many years to come.
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Dear friends and supporters of MCTA,
Thoughts on MCTA - Hear what others have to say about MCTA
Please share your thoughts about MCTA and why it is important to you - we'll be sure to include you here. Send us and email mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com. (put "Newsletter Thoughts" in the subject line)
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Send an email and we will do our best. mctaxpayers1950@gmail.com (put "Topic to Cover" in the subject line)
Please share this newsletter with everyone. The more we all know, the more power we have!
Martin County Taxpayer Association is an IRS registered 501 C3 – EIN: 59-0652292
~ All Donations Are Tax Deductible As Allowed By Law ~
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