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positions (See Table 2 on page 4) (38 BCC, 28 Sheriff, 1 each Clerk of Court, Property Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections), and implementation of the new GIS. He reviewed Table 3 (page 5) giving the proposed millage for the General Fund, M.S.T.U. Fund, Emergency Services District, Land Acquisition Bond, and Land Acquisition 2004. The Aggregate Millage proposed is 5.3502 or about 14.5% below the current fiscal year. There will be no increases in utility rates or golf course fees, and no increases for service. There are several reductions in the proposed budget including the General Fund millage rate. Administrator Baird responded to Commissioners’ questions, as well as, comments on 3% caps of all real property tax assessments, and suggested that the Constitutional Officers’ budgets be capped. Administrator Baird advised that under the proposed budget the owner of a typical house valued at $250,000 with Homestead Exemption could expect a decrease in taxes of about $74 in the unincorporated area and other areas except Indian River Shores. GENERAL FUND Administrator Baird announced that the proposed General Fund budget is $85,689,320, an increase of $7,681,259 or 9.9%. He listed the increases that have affected the General Fund budget. The proposed millage is 3.1794, or a 9.7% decrease under the current year’s budget. He displayed a pie chart (see pages 7) to emphasize the Constitutional Officers’ 57% portion of the General Fund. He reviewed the new positions requested. Commissioner Lowther commended Administrator Baird on this budget particularly in light of the past hurricanes. Administrator Baird cautioned that if the Commission wants to put a cap on property value increases and on the budget, then it would be necessary to put a similar cap on the Constitutional Officers’ budgets. At the request of Vice Chairman Wheeler, Administrator Baird explained the process in the Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency. He noted that funding the Fellsmere CRA is anticipated for next year. He highlighted all the department budgets under the BCC. (See page 18) He also noted that there would be a reduction of 3 positions because the Brackett Library will not open as originally scheduled; the budget reduction for that would be $63,826. July 12, 2006 2