Laserfiche WebLink
Commissioner Wheeler suggested that instead of spending the Optional Sales Tax, funds <br />should be garnered through the millage rate for the EMS District, so everyone, including the <br />municipalities, would pay their fair share for services being received. <br />A citizen (undisclosed name) discussed problems she and other Florida residents are <br />facing, as a result of these hard times. She commended the Commissioners and staff for trying to <br />cut the budget; however, although she respected the Sheriff and Firefighters, she felt that <br />everyone must share the burden. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan inquired and learned from staff that further negotiations had not <br />occurred with the IAFF subsequent to the last Board of County Commission meeting, on July 21, <br />2009, as the IAFF had not yet been ready to vote on whether to forgo a raise. <br />Responding to Commissioner O'Bryan's query, Administrator Baird acknowledged that <br />the Board's earlier vote to keep the EMS Supervisors would mean an additional fire -medic <br />would be hired for Station 12, at $62,000. <br />Commissioner O'Bryan supported keeping the millage rate where it is, but acknowledged <br />Mr. Schasane's points, and told him we would keep working on this. <br />Mr. Schasane announced that negotiations between the County and the IAFF would <br />resume next week. He requested that the meetings be filmed for public viewing and that <br />Administrator Baird be present. <br />James Sexton, Director of Human Resources, remarked that the County had a very <br />competent bargaining team who would negotiate with the IAFF and report back to the <br />appropriate staff. <br />July 23, 2009 11 <br />