Laserfiche WebLink
Administrator Baird clarified that the EMS Taxing District is a special district <br />created for the entire County (except for Indian River Shores) for all fire, paramedic and <br />ambulance services. The EMS department in the General Fund, headed by John King, <br />deals with hurricane preparedness and other emergency items. Mr. Baird informed Mr. <br />Johnson that monies could not be transferred back and forth between the two Divisions. <br />Mr. Johnson declared that, as a taxpayer who has had a considerable increase in <br />taxes, there was room for another 1% reduction in the budget. Administrator Baird <br />conveyed that a State mandated increase in School District taxes was responsible for <br />higher tax bills. <br />Steve Myers, Teamsters Local Union 769, spoke against the County's proposal to <br />subcontract the mowing of the Utilities Operations Center at 4350 40 Street. He <br />believed that the County's other attempts at privatization had not been successful or <br />financially prudent. Mr. Myers also questioned whether the County was revising County <br />employees' annual salary increases. <br />Refuting Mr. Myers' opinion on privatization, Mr. Baird cited the successful <br />privatizations of the landfill and golf course. Regarding the anniversary increases, Mr. <br />Baird stated that there were no concrete plans, and the County was exploring different <br />options. He stated that the County would always bargain in good faith with the Union. <br />Mr. Baird suggested that Mr. Myers lobby the State, so budget cutbacks at the local level <br />would not be required. <br />There were no other speakers and the Chairman closed the public comments. <br />To Commissioner O'Bryan's inquiry whether a County employee was currently <br />filling the mowing position, Administrator Baird said that he was not sure. He noted that <br />whenever possible, the County tries to relocate staff to other positions. <br />September 5, 2007 5 <br />Preliminary Budget <br />