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BOOK - 97 ac,18 <br />still has some tough battles with neighboring counties to attract <br />manufacturing. <br />Commissioner Macht received assurance from Commissioner Eggert <br />that this incentive was limited to industrial and not retail <br />business. He also asked the funding source in case of default. <br />Administrator Chandler advised that initally funds to cover a <br />default would come from general fund contingencies. He did not <br />foresee the likelihood of a strong potential for major expense in <br />any given year; however, if that proved incorrect, it would be a <br />budget line item each year. <br />Chairman Adams advised she was unable to support this item as <br />she felt that a utility deposit is not a great deterrent for a <br />business. Her greater concern was for families trying to move into <br />a house and coming up with a deposit. Also, she was not in favor <br />of using general fund contingencies. She felt the dollars were not <br />significant to induce an industry to come to the County. <br />Commissioner Bird maintained that this small incentive was <br />part of a package which will be helpful to those trying to impress <br />and attract the industries. He believed the County has to send a <br />very positive message and felt the benefits of this measure <br />outweigh the risk. <br />Commissioner Macht agreed with Commissioner Bird's comments <br />and called this a gesture to convey the idea that the County <br />welcomes new business. He recognized the problem residential <br />customers face in giving deposits, but felt it was partly because <br />the community does not have a good cross-section of employment <br />opportunities. He maintained everything possible needs to be done <br />to attract industries that will employ skilled and semi -skilled <br />workers which will increase their ability to contribute to the <br />community. <br />Commissioner Macht also thought that it was time to look at <br />providing enough funds to the Economic Development Council, or some <br />other organizations, to actively solicit appropriate industries. <br />Commissioner Eggert. commented that the tax base needs to be <br />broadened to include a better balance between industry/commercial <br />and residential. <br />Commissioner Macht cited the recent battle with Indian River <br />Memorial Hospital concerning costs of indigent care. He felt it <br />was related to unhealthy employment conditions in the county and <br />that something needed to be done. <br />38 <br />April 23, 1996 <br />