§ 2-204. Providing for the operation and authority of the agency.

(a)

The agency shall have the powers and responsibilities as set forth in F.S. § 290.0056(8), as they may be amended from time to time, and which include the following:

(1)

To assist in the development and implementation of the strategic plan.

(2)

To oversee and monitor the implementation of the strategic plan. The agency shall make quarterly reports to the governing bodies evaluating the progress in implementing the strategic plan.

(3)

To identify and recommend to the governing bodies ways to remove regulatory barriers.

(4)

To identify to the local governments the financial needs of, and local resources or assistance available to, eligible businesses in the zone.

(5)

To employ and discharge employees if such power is expressly approved by the Board of County Commissioners of Okeechobee County, Florida.

(b)

The Board of County Commissioners of Okeechobee County, Florida, shall have the powers and responsibilities as set forth in F.S. § 290.0056(9), as they may be amended from time to time, and which include the following:

(1)

To review, process, and certify applications for state enterprise zone tax incentives pursuant to F.S. §§ 212.08(5)(g), (h), and (15); 212.096; 220.181; and 220.182.

(2)

To provide assistance to businesses and residents within the enterprise zone.

(3)

To promote the development of the enterprise zone, including preparing, purchasing, and distributing by mail or other means of advertising, literature and other material concerning the enterprise zone and enterprise zone incentives.

(4)

To borrow money and apply for and accept advances, loans, grants, contributions, and any other form of financial assistance from the Federal Government or the state, county, or other public body or from any sources, public or private, for the purposes of this Act, and to give such security as may be required and to enter into and carry out contracts or agreements in connection therewith; and to include in any contract for financial assistance with the federal government for or with respect to the development of the enterprise zone and related activities such conditions imposed pursuant to federal laws as the board of county commissioners deems reasonable and appropriate which are not inconsistent with the purposes of this section.

(5)

To appropriate such funds and make such expenditures as are necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.

(6)

To make and execute contracts and other instruments necessary or convenient to the exercise of its powers under this section.

(7)

To procure insurance or require bond against any loss in connection with its property in such amounts and from such insurers as may be necessary or desirable.

(8)

To invest any funds held in reserves or sinking funds, or any funds not required for immediate disbursement, in such investments as may be authorized by this Act.

(9)

To purchase, sell, or hold stock, evidences of indebtedness, and other capital participation and instruments.

(10)

Contingent upon express approval by the board of county commissioners, any of the powers and responsibilities identified in this section may be performed by the agency.

(Ord. No. 2001-08, § 4, 12-13-01)