Learn Your Lessons Well

The dispute between Martin County and Stuart is becoming quite a spectacle. In a decisive move, the county voted to invoke Chapter 164 of the Florida Statutes, known as the Florida Governmental Conflict Resolution Act, to initiate mediation with the city. Many speculate that this action could be the first step in the litigation process, despite the county attorney's assertion that they do not intend to sue the city. Only time will reveal the true intentions behind this statement. This 4 to 1 vote answers whether the commissioners think litigation is wise. They enthusiastically jumped on the fast track towards that very thing.

The core issue revolves around Martin County's allegation that Stuart has violated its contract by withdrawing from the agreement to build a downtown train station. The county points to the city’s refusal to support a letter for a grant application as the reason for starting this mediation process. The city withdrew from the Interlocal Agreement after Brightline tried to renegotiate its financial involvement in the project from covering half the cost to contributing nothing, a change that Stuart finds outrageous. The city contends that the county initially breached their agreement by allowing Brightline to opt out of its financial responsibilities, a claim the county refuses to acknowledge.

Stuart’s comprehensive plan states that it will support a train station downtown, but it does not specify the extent of that support. Additionally, it does not indicate that the county or any outside entity can dictate the terms of that support. Martin’s comp plan clearly states that it will not fund private enterprise, which is a grey area as it takes on the responsibility of securing funding.

The city commissioners are accused of recklessly abusing their authority and exercising discretion that goes against the collective. Above all, the county seems determined to punish the city for what it perceives as insubordination. The county’s attitude reflects a desire to teach the city commissioners a lesson and to prevent them from undermining its plans for a station.

Meanwhile, while all this finger-pointing continues, the taxpayers will be footing the bill. The county attorney claims it doesn’t cost the county much because she is already on salary, as if she has nothing better to do with her time. The city attorney is willing to cooperate and sign the letter to avoid unnecessary conflict. He strongly supported the station, which would likely align with his agenda.

How this situation will conclude is anyone’s guess. Federal agencies have recently suspended all grant funding, and Brightline appears uninterested in a Treasure Coast station. Many view this discord as pointless and unnecessary, ultimately costing all of us. Could this turn into the next divisive issue affecting the upcoming elections? It seems they have yet to learn their lesson.