07/10/2007 (2) - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ted Robinson, 50 N. Caserea Court, Indian River Shores, accused the County, Vero Beach City Council, and the Chamber of Commerce of handling Piper secretly and plotting to shift $76.5 million from taxpayers to Piper that is not in the overall public's interest. He believed there should be no referendum; that voters need to have an opportunity to decide if they want to engage in the aircraft manufacturing business; and there should be a study of how the $76.5 million tax increase would impact the County's economy, compared to the impact of Piper leaving. He thought it would hurt the economy more if Piper stays. He thought there should be an independent legal opinion of whether the County, the City and the Chamber of Commerce are acting in the public's interest. Administrator Baird clarified that the only thing the Board voted on was to put the $40 million offer on the ballot. He also confirmed that the County had gotten outside legal opinion from a Bond Counsel that this was authorized legal use of public funds. Joseph Paladin believed the impact on the economy would be devastating if Piper is allowed to leave; and the chances of attracting a business like Piper, should Piper leaves, would be much more difficult. He thought we should come together as a community and let Piper know we appreciate and want them to stay here. Dennis Drake believed that because of the state of affairs in this country, corporations are holding municipalities in blackmail. He challenged the Board to be creative, and suggested that language be placed in the referendum saying County and City would sell land and share the burden. Chairman Wheeler clarified comments regarding the sale of property. He asked Administrator Baird to explain why we were having a referendum. Administrator Baird said this resulted because of tax reform requirements from the State. July 10, 2007 32