8/25/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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AUG 2,5 M �G " BOOK �; �� [Mu fairly and equitably throughout the county by working out some agreement on sharing revenues with the municipalities. Commissioner Scurlock recalled that in previous discussions the Board agreed on the necessity of having occupational license fees because it protects the residents from unlicensed people who come into the county and work without any regulation. Commissioner Bowman felt it is incorrect to think that occupational.licenses are a way of raising funds. It doesn't work that way. In fact, it probably costs almost as much to collect and administer the funds. However, it is a vehicle for maintaining a certain standard of performance and it is for the customers' protection. Commissioner Bird responded that he wasn't saying that we cancel the fees, he was just saying that we have our staff get with the Tax Collector and come back to us with some kind of report on whether this present system is fair and equitable, and if it isn't, give us a recommendation on how to improve it. Commissioner Scurlock felt that one of the important things is the insurance requirements, and pointed out that St. Lucie County has very stringent insurance requirements that protect the consumer. Chairman Eggert opened the Public Hearing and asked if anyone wished to be heard in this matter. June Mitsakos, president of the Vero Beach/Indian River County Board of Realtors stressed that real estate sales people should not be taxed as individuals because by law they work under a broker who obtains an occupational license. In addition, they are regulated by the Florida Department of Professional Regulation, who makes sure they are in conformance. Realtors already are paying fees in Vero Beach and Sebastian and a county fee would amount to double taxation. They question why insurance agents and those involved in selling securities are not taxed. Mrs. Mitsakos emphasized that they want to pay their fair share, but they don't want to be doubly taxed. Ron Paradise, understood that according to Ordinance 91-49 the purpose of the occupational license fee is to tax all professionals and that the intent behind that was on the basis of independent contractor vs. employer/employee relations. As a licensed securities salesman, he is an independent contractor, and therefore should be taxed, and as an independent insurance agent, he should be taxed. Mr. Paradise felt that if the Board is going to charge the real estate agents a county fee, perhaps they should consider charging all the professionals in the same manner. With regard to setting standards and regulations, he emphasized that the 32