10/29/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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OCT 29 1981 Boa 4 7 FAGS 863 problem is in the assessments, over which the Board has no control. Whether we like it or not, properties in Indian River County have skyrocketed over the last few years, and if your neighbor happens to sell his house at an' inflated price, the Property Appraiser is mandated.. to assess comparable surrounding houses at that same value. That is what is happening, and it is unfortunate that if you don't choose.to sell, your value goes up regardless. Commissioner Bird continued that when the Board sat down last summer in budget hearings, our Administrator came to us with a total budget, which he felt was a lean budget, but we went through it line by line and cut that budget drastically and we have asked him to reduce it again and again. This is a high quality county, and we have to try to keep the level of service the people deserve and demand. Commissioner Bird believed we have come down to -a level where we are simply maintaining our level of service, but everything costs more - equipment, gas, etc. The Board is telling the public that in this particular fund, the General Fund, they are proposing to spend about 10% more than last year, and he felt that is a reasonable increase. Albert Violin felt the people's message should have gotten through by now. Don't go to the department heads and ask them what they want to spend - tell them what amount they have available to spend. We must spend only what is coming in and not raise taxes to meet the budget. Commissioner Scurlock discussed Other Professional Services, and Finance Officer Barton explained this year it is proposed at $115,000; last year it was $90,400. This is pro -rating to January with the new attorney and we have a remaining contract with the present firm. The amount projected under Supervisor of Elections for conducting elections is less this year because we do not have as many elections. s 10