Indian River Mosquito Control Districts Strategic Plan

Indian River Mosquito Control District's 5-year Strategic Plan

The strategic plan was approved on February 14, 2023, by the IRMCD Board of Commissioners at the regular IRMCD February Board meeting.   This plan will be reviewed annually and updates will be made following the District's mission, vision, and values.  This document will assist the elected governing board in future policy and financial decisions and will be utilized by staff as guidance for goals and objectives approved by the elected board.  We are celebrating the Indian River Mosquito Control legacy and looking to the future, leading innovative science-based services, embracing our environment, and improving the quality of life for our community.  Thank you to all those who contributed to the creation of this plan. We appreciate the support, insight, and partnership you continually give to our program.  At Indian River Mosquito Control we are proudly protecting our community through innovative science-based solutions, fiscal responsibility, enhancing customer service and community engagement, and utilizing creative approaches to research and technology while embracing environmental challenges. We look forward to serving our community.

District Overview

The Indian River Mosquito Control District (IRMCD) is an independent taxing district that was legislatively established in 1925 and provides mosquito control services in the eastern 2/3 of Indian River County. IRMCD is a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) state-certified mosquito control program.

• Mosquito Control - Fla. Statues Chapter 388
• Mosquito Control Program Administration - Chapter 5E-13, F.A.C.

The District government has been organized according to the Council–Administrator form of government. As such, the Board of Commissioners (Board) sets policy, adopts legislation, and approves the budget. The Board of Commissioners appoints an administrator to conduct the day-to-day district business, to prepare the budget, to oversee department heads, and to recommend policy to the Board.

The three members of the Board of Commissioners are elected at large for staggered, four-year terms. To accomplish this, two Commission seats are up for election in one election cycle with the remaining Commission seat up for election in a second election cycle two years later. Board officers are elected annually. 
IRMCD’s operating budget is generated primarily by ad valorem property taxes. IRMCD is a sustaining member of the Florida Mosquito Control Association (FMCA), the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA), and the Florida Association of Special Districts (FASD). IRMCD participates in the Environmental Protection Agency’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP) by being a “PESP partner under the AMCA's auspices”.

IRMCD’s current facilities (on 10 acres of property located at 5655 41st Street, Vero Beach, FL) were originally constructed in 1967 with significant additions and renovations undertaken during 2000 and 2006. The buildings include a main office with laboratories, a shop, vehicle work bays, chemical (and general) storage rooms, covered vehicle and equipment storage areas, and a poultry-raising/holding building. No underground tanks exist on IRMCD property. In 2009 the District received title to Hole-in-the-Wall Island located in the Indian River Lagoon at the eastern terminus of 69th Street. It is a 130-acre mosquito control impoundment dominated by mangroves with an all-encompassing conservation easement. In June 2015, the Indian River Mosquito Control District purchased an undivided one-half interest in the lot located at 609 19th Street SE as tenants in common with the Indian River Land Trust. This lot serves as access to our South Bills Impoundment. 

IRMCD has over 30 vehicles which are regularly used in carrying out IRMCD’s responsibilities. They include 4WD pickup trucks, an F-350 pump service truck, and dump trucks. IRMCD typically maintains 10 all-terrain vehicles (ATVs and RTVs) which are used by the Inspector/Sprayers for field inspections, ground treatments, and herbicide applications. The District also owns heavy equipment such as a tractor, rubber-tracked skid steer loaders, grinder, forklift, and numerous heavy-duty impoundment pumps installed at various locations along the Indian River Lagoon. IRMCD also operates several boats primarily for larval inspections.

Education/Certification

All full-time IRMCD employees are required to be licensed in Public Health Pest Control by FDACS. This license permits employees to apply restricted-use pesticides. Employees maintain this license by attending State-approved programs where continuing education credits are provided. In-house training is also provided on all aspects of our program, including conducting state-approved education credit courses.  IRMCD staff members regularly participate in educational programs for the public including outreach to service local organizations, schools, environmental organizations, church groups, etc.

Worker Safety Considerations

IRMCD has a formal safety program that qualifies for a Worker's Compensation discount. IRMCD has periodic inspections by the FDACS and the local health department for compliance monitoring. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) book of chemicals that IRMCD uses is kept current and available to all employees for their review. Fire extinguishers, which are inspected and serviced annually, are located throughout IRMCD property and in each vehicle. Emergency wash facilities are available on the District property. Hiring practices are consistent with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). IRMCD is a drug-free workplace. Employees are required to maintain a good driving record.