7/3/1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

be a coordinating board to apply for grants for various programs to solve the drug problems that are plaguing the children in this community. In response to letting the people decide, he felt that basically the people have decided when they elect the members of the Board of County Commissioners who are accountable by having to be elected every 4 years. He believed that once a special independent taxing district is set up, there is little or no accountability. Commissioner Scurlock asked Mrs. Roebuck how she felt about a.dependent taxing district, and she explained that with a dependent district, the children's needs would be competing for funding with roads, utilities, etc., and that the bottom line is that it is a much more political process. She believed that children have more of a right for their needs to be considered separately. Sue Banek, 7 -year HRS employee working in Protective Services stressed the urgent need for more foster care homes, and Chairman Eggert interjected that no one is disputing that need. The question is how we should go about meeting the needs that are not being met. Do we do it with a group formed by an independent district or do we look within the community? Madeleine LaPlante recalled that when they came here 31 years ago, the Board asked them to go back and put the facts and figures together, and come back with a recommendation. After all of the research they have done, their recommendation is that an independent taxing district is the best vehicle to help the children in Indian River County. She.pointed out that none of the people involved in trying to get a council established have done so for any personal gain. They have put in hours and hours of volunteer time. Scott Riley commented that he works as an employee in the private sector and receives calls everyday from the HRS, the County Welfare Dept., and Children's Home Society for donations X99 2' �oo� FF 1t ��UL 3 0