10/5/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

r BOOK 90 FAH 709 OCT ® 5 1,993 BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32 0.�VEQ 13-E Telephone: (407) 567-8000 October 4, 1993 TO: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSION FROM: Kenneth R. Macht, County Commissioner /M RE: Addition to Agenda, Discussion regarding Federal Mandates and Other Bugetary Matters I am sorry for the necessity to ask your indulgence in adding this item outside of the normal process. I had planned on its inclusion in early November after completing one additional study on the effect of mandates and other legislative requirements. The attached will inform you that this plan has been overtaken by events. The campaign mounted by NACo to oppose federal unfunded mandates is scheduled for a culmination on October 27th. The packet we have received suggests a number of actions that we might take. I suggest that formulation of a resolution to our delegation be drafted and sent as a beginning. The sample in the backup seems adequate. There is much drivel in the press about "re -inventing government". Federal government was empowered to maintain national defense, regulate interstate commerce and count heads every ten years. There is no language in the Constitution that authorizes social and the myriad other wasteful programs. Ending unfunded mandates is a vital element in returning reality to. the legislative process. The ability of one level of government to impose fiscal requirements on another without their consent is very akin to "Taxation Without Representation", and should be ended! The citizens of Indian River County have had little opportunity to be aware of or understand the effect of unfunded mandates, unfunded or partially funded social programs, unnecessary mandatory monitoring and testing in our utility systems and etc. We have not been as forthcoming on information about the longterm financial requirements of major capital projects as the library, courthouse and environmental land purchases. We have the opportunity to correct this deficiency by holding quarterly budget/management workshops to fully assess the progress and to fully inform county citizens. The best way to gain the widest possible dissemination is via television transmission through the cable systems. The capability to do this exists by several means. There is no excuse for not doing so. There are many opportunities for cost savings through cooperation with municipal governments, the board of Education and constitutional offices. It is in the best interest of county citizens that we explore these opportunities through increased communication. There are at least four governmental vehicle repair facilities for example. `It seems likely that some degree of consolidation would be possible. It is our responsibility to see that the opportunities are evaluated. 40