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Frank Zorc of 2044 DeLeon Avenue discussed a HUD housing <br />project in Vero Beach which obtained high rents of $535 each on 80 <br />1 -bedroom apartments, together with federal subsidies of $500,000 <br />per year, while being totally exempt from Indian River County <br />taxes. This non-profit status causes a loss of income to the <br />County of about $40,000 per year and this is just 1 example. Mr. <br />Zorc stated that he does not accuse anyone of impropriety but wants <br />to know if the entities claiming non-profit status are in <br />compliance. He believed it is unfair that taxpayers pay extra <br />taxes to make up the losses. Last year some taxpayers hired <br />Attorney Jim Wilson to assist them in attempting to gain access to <br />the records of non-profit entities. The Press -Journal has had <br />several editorials saying the taxpayers should have a right to <br />examine these records. Representative Sembler gave his full <br />cooperation to their inquiries and' prepared a bill which, <br />unfortunately, did not pass. The Speaker of the House suppressed <br />the bill and it never got to a full vote. Mr. Zorc believed that <br />public scrutiny is needed in light of several recent incidents <br />involving theft and improper use of non-profit entity funds. <br />Chairman Macht asked Deputy Attorney Collins to explore any <br />avenue where a representative of the Board could review these <br />records and make a report to the taxpayers. <br />Deputy Attorney Collins stated that an opinion has been handed <br />down that these returns are confidential. The only thing this <br />Board can do is attempt to support the move for legislative change <br />through FACo. <br />Commissioner Tippin suggested that he could ask the Treasure <br />Coast Council of Governments to also support the needed <br />legislation. <br />Commissioner Adams felt that not everyone will jump on the <br />bandwagon just because it is right. This is just part of a larger <br />problem showing up around the nation. She felt sure that FACo will <br />support the effort and suggested that the best method for obtaining <br />the needed change would be for Mr. Zorc to visit Tallahassee. <br />Commissioner Eggert again asked staff for a list of all non- <br />profit entities in the County. <br />Mr. Zorc suggested the Florida Department of Revenue might <br />make an audit of non-profit entities as it is their document which <br />is causing the problem. <br />Chairman Macht noted that non-profit entity requirements have <br />been tightened in the County. <br />JULY 259 1995 13 <br />Box 95 FAGS 78- <br />