9/2/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r SEP 195 dooK 69 FAc 245 P Fred Mensing, Roseland, felt that the Commission needs to advise the people that we have the ability to go to charter government, such as they have in Jacksonville, where both the city and county are one. He agreed with Dr. Fischer about the mess Road & Bridge is in, and also felt there is a grievous problem in the Planning Department, even though it has been improved slightly. Mr. Mensing urged the Board to seek out light clean industry for this county so that people have reason to live here and graduate from high school have something more to look forward to than working for a Burger King or 9 months a year in the citrus industry. Rolando Menendez, 626 Paradise Lane, Floravon Shores, felt it was absolutely irresponsible for this Commission to put through a 20% increase. He realized that when you look at individual projects in the budget, it is pretty hard to cut down, but felt there are places that can be cut. He pointed out that people here tonight are saying the same thing - that these increases are too much and that 20% is too much. They want to see the increase cut down to a flat out 10%, and if specific places cannot be found to cut, then there should be a 10% overall cut. This statement was followed by much clapping. Chairman Scurlock believed the County has done a diligent job in preparing an adequate budget for this year, and wondered where the people were during the budget workshops. He pointed out that there is a very large number of people who feel services are inadequate and are ready to accept the increase in taxes. The Chairman believed the reason for the big increase is because taxes were too low for too many years. If a cut is made, however, he personally felt there could be some reductions made in Contingencies. Debbie Menendez, Floravon Shores, objected to the tax increase, and wanted to see services either reduced or eliminated in some of the areas discussed here tonight.