07/13/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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to the west on SR60. He advised that 50% of the business in the Sebastian office is from Brevard County; that office is a moneymaker because we get to keep those fees. They are also seeing people coming to the main office from north St. Lucie County. He anticipates a need for additional employees in the future to continue to provide good service. In response to Chairman Lowther, Mr. Sembler spoke about drivers’ license office issues, particularly funding and personnel. He thanked the Commissioners and staff for all their help particularly after the 2004 hurricanes. Commissioner Bowden commented, for the record, that the Tax Collector’s office provides service with courtesy. PA–DC.N ROPERTY PPRAISER AVID OLTE County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget in the amount of $3,610,446, an increase of $169,561. The General Fund portion is $2,785,472. Property Appraiser David Nolte thought County Administrator Baird and Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown have done a great job during the horrible times with the hurricanes and rebuilding problems. He was confident this County would survive just fine. The programs put in by the Legislature worked well thanks to the cooperation and working together in this great County. Chairman Lowther commended Mr. Nolte on a fine job, and Mr. Nolte commented that the real test will be when the people see their tax notices and get their new assessments to see if we handled the damage correctly and how we get through the TRIM (truth in millage) period. The tax roll is up $2 billion and about $700 million was taken off the tax rolls for damage. When the hurricane damage is repaired, there will probably be another billion dollars come on and with the growth we will see record tax rolls for the next 2-3 years. If it slows down, there will be quite a reawakening. In response to Commissioner Wheeler, he estimated that for non-homesteaded property the average tax increase would be about double. July 13, 2005 14