11/9/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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- ® M 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. Commissioner Macht's understanding from the discussion at that meeting was that Chairman Bird wanted him to let the Commissioners know when the information was ready for their consideration so that a special workshop meeting could be scheduled. He assumed that the basis for Commissioner Eggert's concern was that she saw the meeting schedule where, under the advice of the County Attorney, a meeting was convened that included the constitutional officers, a member of the School Board, and one person from each municipal government. He stressed that this is merely a discussion and not a decision-making process. Commissioner Eggert pointed out that staff is already working on privatization, and she was concerned about duplicating things that are being done in-house and using extra staff time. 63 �N'OV - 91993