Full Notification

(Formal Letter Attached)

June 14, 2019

Dear Jekyll Island Residents,

Over the last decade, we have made beneficial progress on Jekyll Island with new amenities and improved facilities. We have allocated our resources in accordance with our carefully formulated plans and strategies. Key among these is the Carrying Capacity and Infrastructure Study, which has guided preparation of the FY2020 proposed JIA budget.

As you may be aware, I am recommending a proactive budget that I feel will help us ensure Jekyll Island doesn’t become a tourist’s nightmare like so many other popular destinations are becoming. I visited St. Augustine this past weekend with grandkids, and the traffic – both foot and vehicular – was terrible! We want to ensure that Jekyll remains a place of inspiration and residents and visitors alike remain the greatest ambassadors for Jekyll Island!

Proposed fee increases include:

• Water Rates: 13.6% increase
• Sewer Rates: 13.6% increase
• Parking fees: Daily fee increases to $8. Annual Parking Pass increases to $55

Capacity for water and sewer is currently adequate, as we have made around $520,000 in improvements in recent years. These investments have yielded more efficient processing, improved general maintenance, and increased emergency generator capability.

However, there is a serious need to address decaying and obsolete distribution lines. The proposed budget will allow us to begin addressing these issues, and add reserves to our fire equipment and public areas improvement funds. The Carrying Capacity and Infrastructure Study Assessment endorsed additional water/sewer fees and noted that Jekyll Island’s current fees are significantly lower than comparable systems and that our minimum annual increases of 2% were only enough to slightly cover operating expenses. Through water/sewer adjustments and the proposed gate fees, we will begin to address our distribution issues, and also add reserves to our fire equipment and public areas improvement funds.

Over the past 10 years, the price of the annual parking fee has remained the same. As a matter of fact, in 2002, the annual pass was $60, which was priced higher than our proposed $55 annual fee. In the proposed budget, the daily parking fee which has not increased in 7 years, would increase by $2. If approved by the JIA Board, the parking fee increases for both annual and daily passes would become effective July 1.

Of particular note, planned entrance gate technology improvements will allow us to deploy a dedicated annual pass lane this year that many of you have requested over the years.

In addition to supporting infrastructure improvements, we have also increased our commitment to protecting and preserving the island’s natural resources. Five years ago, our Conservation Department’s total budget was $190,000 whereas in the proposed 2020 budget the Conservation Department would receive $483,000. The Conservation, Landscaping, and Roads and Grounds departments, including janitorial services required to meet the needs of increased visitation, receive the entirety of their funding from parking fees.

I hope you agree the proposed budget fee adjustments will allow us to proactively and responsibly manage our growth and make critical improvements that will ensure a high quality of life and the responsible stewardship of Jekyll Island.

Sincerely,

C. Jones Hooks
Executive Director
Jekyll Island Authority