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• <br />Assistant Administrator Baird added that each project is tracked as well as all <br />expenditures. About 50 reports are developed each month on all projects. The books are <br />open to anyone who wishes to see them. Every dime of optional sales tax has been <br />accounted for from day one. He thought Indian River County was the only jurisdiction that <br />has that record. Project costs are estimated and change constantly. Policy for projects is up <br />to the Commission. There might be a scope change or a feeling by the Commissioners that <br />a project needs to be expanded because of public need. He emphasized that there is an <br />accounting on every project. He believed the numbers referred to by Mr. Coffey came from <br />the Budget office. The problem typically encountered is finding there is a bigger need than <br />what has been planned; the community has grown more than anticipated. <br />Administrator Chandler stressed that when the income from the optional sales tax is <br />projected on a capital improvement project, estimates are based on information available at <br />the time. Staff tries to be conservative in those estimates. Once approved, a project may <br />need to be amended because the estimates from a year prior may fall short or the project may <br />require changes due to unforeseen circumstances. There are needs for adjustments when <br />projecting a capital program over a 5 year time span. <br />Mr. Coffey specified he was not questioning the accountability and agreed the County <br />has the finest records. He believed there is a better way of letting the Commissioners and <br />taxpayers know the status of projects and where their money is being spent. He clearly <br />understood the need for making adjustments in a 5 year forecast for capital projects. <br />Assistant Administrator Baird advised that the State does not require counties to have <br />a 5 -year plan on the optional sales tax, it has been done at the Commission's request. The <br />K <br />reason is to earmark funds for certain projects needed in the future so everyone is aware that <br />the projects are planned. Sometimes, by being pro -active in this area, there is criticism. <br />Usually, a good estimate of cost is not available until there is a design but monies estimated <br />for the project and set aside. <br />April 3, 2001 <br />59 <br />89 1 17 1'G 7 4 7 <br />