SUBJECT
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Elimination of Historical Marker Application Fee of $315 per application from Polk County Parks & Natural Resources Schedule of User Fees; amendment of Resolution No 2013-148 ($1,575 recurring revenue reduction)
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DESCRIPTION
The Polk County Historical Commission, in collaboration with the History Center, offers a historical marker program to mark sites and buildings of historical significance throughout Polk County. There are currently 41 historical markers within the marker database. The Historical Commission is an advisory board appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. As part of the historical marker process, a detailed and fully researched application is required to be submitted to the Historical Commission for review. Through Resolution 2013-148, a $315 administrative fee was enacted to accompany the filing of the historical marker application. Once approved, the applicant pays the manufacturer for the fabrication of the historical marker.
On December 5, 2023, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a Preservation Ordinance making historic preservation public policy (Ordinance 2023-076). The County has applied to the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources for Certified Local Government (CLG) designation. The CLG application will be submitted to the Department of the Interior, creating a local, state, and federal preservation status. The marker application fee is inconsistent with state and federal historic marker practices and should be eliminated to align with CLG guidelines. On May 2, 2024, the Polk County Historical Commission recommended elimination of the fee.
RECOMMENDATION
Elimination of $315 historical marker application fee
FISCAL IMPACT
Approximately 5 historical marker application fees are collected on an annual basis. Thus, a reduction of $1,575 in fees is anticipated in the General Fund.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Myrtice Young, Historic Preservation Manager, (863) 534-4385
Myrticeyoung@polk-county....
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