7/7/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JUL 0 19�' �_, BOOK 86 Mr. DeBlois pointed out that the suggested referendum brochure has some phrases underlined and others blacked out. He explained that the editing was done because our legal staff recommended we retain county neutrality standards. County Attorney Charles Vitunac advised that in the meantime a new Supreme Court of Florida ruling came into effect which states that not only may county commissions take a stand on bond issues, but they really should, because they have a duty to inform the People. Under that ruling the original wording of the suggested referendum brochure may be used. Mr. DeBlois recommended that based on the County Attorney's opinion, we should just ignore the blacked -out and underlined phrases and use the committee's recommended language. He further described it as a tri -fold brochure, using recycled paper, having a glossy finish, with one photo of a natural area on the outside fold. He gave the Chairman samples of other pamphlets which were rejected by the committee. Mr. DeBlois reported the results of research into the costs of the brochures. Using estimated figures from the Office of Supervisor of Elections Office, there are approximately 35,000 voter households. With additional,'brochures for use in presentations and meetings, staff estimates a total of 40,000 brochures. Commissioner Scurlock requested a separate discussion on the brochure and requested the discussion be confined to the finances and language of the referendum question. Chairman Eggert advised that our current library bonds would be retired July 12, 1994, and if this referendum were to be passed, it could not get into a budget until fiscal year 1993-94. It is possible to issue these bonds in 1993-94 with the debt beginning in 1994-95. She further reported that the library bond interest was .3967 mill, and the proposed bond is up to .5 mill. Commissioner Scurlock supported the recommended language of $26 million, not to exceed .5 mill, because it affords enough flexibility. However, he stressed we are not relying solely on dollars because there are other mechanisms of acquiring property in terms of planning issues; for example, conservation easements or transfer of densities. Chairman.Eggert pointed out that language to that effect was included in the language of the brochure. Commissioner Scurlock realized that but wanted to make his point because we must be careful if we compare this issue to the library issue. Another important point to express to the voters is that this is a dynamic, fluid process and there are certain properties listed which may have a change in rating, availability, 42 _ M M