Laserfiche WebLink
The Chairman asked if anyone present wished to speak in <br />regard to the General Fund. <br />Ralph Simeone, 1760 Sand Dollar Way, wished to make a few <br />remarks relating particularly to retired folks, most of whom have <br />an income that either remains static or decreases. He quoted <br />from an article in the PRESS JOURNAL in regard to people's income <br />and expressed the fear that we will see the middle income group <br />disappear. Mr. Simeone noted that politicians, bureaucrats, <br />etc., get continuous increases, and he was also a bit stunned by <br />the increases proposed for the County administrative staff which <br />range from 42% down to 70, the average being a 12% increase. Mr. <br />Simeone stated that inflation is running about 4/5% annually, and <br />he cannot see why a 5/6% increase is not enough. He noted that <br />the State of Florida has declared a temporary hiring moratorium, <br />and most workers are fighting simply to keep their jobs rather <br />than worry about getting an increase. <br />Mr. Simeone contended that there are many ways to increase <br />efficiency without raising salaries. He stressed that his tax <br />increase over a period of 5 years amounts to over $1,200 and he <br />cannot continue to take this. He urged the Board to go over the <br />budget with a fine tooth comb. He noted that everyone knows <br />about the Sheriff's Department and commended the Commission for <br />working this out. He felt the Sheriff's Department should be <br />made to realize it is a part of the county and that it is not an <br />entity unto itself. Mr. Simeone supported Commissioner Wheeler's <br />suggestion that a barracks type facility should be built for <br />prisoners. He then brought up the increase in population and <br />asked what this has meant in terms of the tax base. <br />Commissioner Scurlock answered that this particular year <br />8.59% is the new money generated from new assessments and new <br />construction, and as to whether growth funds itself, his answer <br />is No. <br />Mr. Simeone then talked about the Growth Management Act and <br />suggested that the County tighten up their rules and regulations <br />Wo 7 PQQk PAGEV7 <br />