7/23/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Stevie McCunn, resident of Vero Beach for 20 years, noted that she is visually impaired and needs a volunteer driver to take her to work two days a week in Central Files at the Sheriff's Administration Complex. Without assistance from the Community Services Aide Program (CSAP), she would not be able to do that. She urged the Board to support the Sheriff's budget. There being no others who wished to be heard in this matter, the Chairman closed the public discussion. Commissioner Eggert led discussion on the impact of development along the SR -60 corridor and the possibility of going to impact fees for law enforcement. She noted that DeBartolo submitted an estimate of $380,000 to handle the mall but did not address the other buildings such as Target. That estimate has increased somewhat, and the mall has agreed to add some security guards. Commissioner Eggert stated that she still stands committed to helping the Sheriff solve the problems in providing for new growth. She believed the Board needs to research and consider all funding methods to provide law enforcement. Commissioner Eggert was also concerned that by trying to maintain last year's millage rate, Emergency Services and the Sheriff's Department may not be able to give personnel pay increases. Chairman Adams emphasized that all departments and entities have had to tighten their belts. Commissioner Bird felt that trying to achieve last year's millage level is an admirable goal, but he was not sure it was that important a goal if we are going to knowingly cut ourselves short on funding a very vital agency of the county that is going to be stressed by the new development coming in. Commissioner Tippin commented on what a terrible task it is to provide services at the same level of taxes as last year. He believed that a 4% increase for the Sheriff's budget would be excessive when other government entities would be receiving less than that. Chairman Adams noted that a Motion was needed on the current millage. MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Tippin, SECONDED by Chairman Adams for discussion, to support the amended budget as submitted today that keeps the millage rate the same as the current year. 89 BOOK 9 f',.. JULY 23, 1996