County To Vote On Higher Daily Beach Pass Rates & Amended Beach Toll Contract

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Volusia County, FL - On Thursday, the Volusia County Council will vote on raising the daily beach access fee from $10 to $20 for 2018, and the Council will also vote on an amended and extended contract for $930,337.09  in beach toll services. The raising of the daily beach pass fee for next year is expected to bring in an increase in $4 million in revenue if approved. That money would go to the beaches for ramps, toll workers, and litter collection services. If the Council approves the $20 rate, the County will be able to use $4 (as opposed to $2) from the sale of each daily and annual beach pass solely for capital beach improvements. For earlier reporting, click here. The ordinance raising the access fee would also eliminate a period of free beach access for residents during December and January. Additionally, the measure would allow full-time college students from Bethune-Cookman, Embry-Riddle, and Stetson University to purchase annual beach access passes for $25, the same rate as for Volusia County residents. The charge for an annual pass for non-residents is $100, according to County records. Another item on the County's agenda is an amendment to a contract for beach toll collection services. In October of 2015, the Council approved a bid for toll collection services to Faneuil Inc., and the Council directed the opening of additional beach access ramps in October of this year. If approved, the amendment would extend the contract with Faneuil through September 30, 2022, as opposed to September 30, 2020. The contract may be renewed for up to three years after that. The amended contract would also allow daily beach pass purchases to be credited towards the purchase of an annual pass, according to County records. The cost of this proposed amended toll services contract is $195,604.13 for a one-time start-up cost and $734,732.96 in annual fees. The cost includes 7 additional year-round beach toll booths, 33 additional peak season booths, and 12 additional off-season booths. Copyright Southern Stone Communications 2017.