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INDEX TO MINUTES OF BUDGET WORKSHOP
OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
OF JULY 12, 2006
CALL TO ORDER ............................................................................................................. 1
INVOCATION .................................................................................................................... 1
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ........................................................................................... 1
GENERAL OVERVIEW - JOSEPH A. BAIRD, ADMINISTRATOR ...................... 1
GENERAL FUND .............................................................................................................. 2
MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S.T.U.) .................................................... 3
TRANSPORTATION FUND ............................................................................................ 3
EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT .......................................................................... 4
AGGREGATE MILLAGE ................................................................................................ 4
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND ACQUISITION BOND ....................... 4
STREETLIGHTING DISTRICT ..................................................................................... 6
July 12, 2006
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OTHER M.S.B.U. ............................................................................................................... 6
STATE AGENCIES ........................................................................................................... 6
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS .................................................................................... 8
CCC–JK.B ..............................................................8
LERK OF IRCUIT OURT EFFREY ARTON
TC–CW.S ..........................................................................9
AX OLLECTOR HARLES EMBLER
PA–DC.N ...........................................................................9
ROPERTY PPRAISER AVID OLTE
SE–KC.......................................................................... 10
UPERVISOR OF LECTIONS AY LEM
PUBLIC HEARING – SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT (SWDD) .............. 11
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS (CONTINUED) ..................................................... 11
S–RR ................................................................................................. 11
HERIFF OY AYMOND
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ............................................................................... 14
QUASI-NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ................................................................. 14
CHOOSE LIFE LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM ......................................................... 14
CHILDREN’S SERVICES .............................................................................................. 14
SEBASTIAN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA ...................................... 14
ENTERPRISE FUNDS .................................................................................................... 15
SR .............................................................................................................. 15
HOOTING ANGE
C() ............................................................................................. 15
LUBHOUSE GOLF COURSE
BD .................................................................................................... 15
UILDING EPARTMENT
July 12, 2006
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ENTERPRISE FUNDS .................................................................................................... 16
U ........................................................................................................................... 16
TILITIES
UIF ....................................................................................................... 16
TILITY MPACT EES
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS ...................................................................................... 16
FM ........................................................................................................ 16
LEET ANAGEMENT
RM(-) ................................................................. 16
ISK ANAGEMENT SELFINSURANCE FUND
HIF ............................................................................................... 16
EALTH NSURANCE UND
GIS .............................................................................. 16
EOGRAPHIC NFORMATION YSTEMS
MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS .......................................................................................... 16
CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS ........................................................................................ 18
ANNOUNCEMENTS ....................................................................................................... 19
PUBLICHEARINGSONTENTATIVEANDFINALBUDGETANDMILLAGE
RATES ..................................................................................................................... 19
CHANGESINPROPOSEDMILLAGERATEANDCHANGESINFUNDING
ASDISCUSSEDANDAPPROVED ..................................................................... 19
July 12, 2006
3
July 12, 2006
BUDGET WORKSHOP OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met at the County
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Commission Chambers, 1840 25 Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Thursday, July 12, 2006.
Present were Chairman Arthur R. Neuberger, Vice Chairman Gary C. Wheeler, Commissioners
Wesley S. Davis, and Thomas S. Lowther. Commissioner Sandra L. Bowden was absent due to
illness in the family. Also present were County Administrator Joseph A. Baird, Management &
Budget Director Jason E. Brown, County Attorney William G. Collins II, Executive Aide to the
Board Kimberly Massung, and Deputy Clerk Patricia M. Ridgely.
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Neuberger called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m.
INVOCATION
Public Works Director Jim Davis delivered the Invocation.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Neuberger led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
GENERAL OVERVIEW - JOSEPH A. BAIRD, ADMINISTRATOR
Administrator Baird used a PowerPoint presentation to aid in his budget message. He
advised that the proposed budget for FY 2006-2007 is $472,063,352 and is approximately $25
million increase over last year’s budget. The increase is due to several factors (see page 2 in
Budget Workshop folder) which include the Jail expansion, Sheriff’s raises, new County
Administration buildings and EOC, repair of fire stations, property insurance increases, increased
fuel costs, electricity, retirement and health insurance, cost of living adjustments, 69 new
July 12, 2006
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positions (See Table 2 on page 4) (38 BCC, 28 Sheriff, 1 each Clerk of Court, Property
Appraiser, and Supervisor of Elections), and implementation of the new GIS. He reviewed
Table 3 (page 5) giving the proposed millage for the General Fund, M.S.T.U. Fund, Emergency
Services District, Land Acquisition Bond, and Land Acquisition 2004. The Aggregate Millage
proposed is 5.3502 or about 14.5% below the current fiscal year. There will be no increases in
utility rates or golf course fees, and no increases for service. There are several reductions in the
proposed budget including the General Fund millage rate. Administrator Baird responded to
Commissioners’ questions, as well as, comments on 3% caps of all real property tax assessments,
and suggested that the Constitutional Officers’ budgets be capped.
Administrator Baird advised that under the proposed budget the owner of a typical house
valued at $250,000 with Homestead Exemption could expect a decrease in taxes of about $74 in
the unincorporated area and other areas except Indian River Shores.
GENERAL FUND
Administrator Baird announced that the proposed General Fund budget is $85,689,320,
an increase of $7,681,259 or 9.9%. He listed the increases that have affected the General Fund
budget. The proposed millage is 3.1794, or a 9.7% decrease under the current year’s budget.
He displayed a pie chart (see pages 7) to emphasize the Constitutional Officers’ 57% portion of
the General Fund. He reviewed the new positions requested.
Commissioner Lowther commended Administrator Baird on this budget particularly in
light of the past hurricanes. Administrator Baird cautioned that if the Commission wants to put a
cap on property value increases and on the budget, then it would be necessary to put a similar
cap on the Constitutional Officers’ budgets.
At the request of Vice Chairman Wheeler, Administrator Baird explained the process in
the Sebastian Community Redevelopment Agency. He noted that funding the Fellsmere CRA is
anticipated for next year. He highlighted all the department budgets under the BCC. (See page
18) He also noted that there would be a reduction of 3 positions because the Brackett Library
will not open as originally scheduled; the budget reduction for that would be $63,826.
July 12, 2006
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MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S.T.U.)
Administrator Baird next advised that the recommended FY 2006-2007 M.S.T.U. budget
is $31,440,637, (see pages 9 and 21 in the budget message) an increase of $4,006,937 or 14.6%
and the proposed millage is 1.1336, or 18.9% below the current millage rate and is at rollback.
He advised of three new positions included: in this section of the budget: a lead Code
Enforcement position and two (2) full-time lifeguards. Six (6) part-time lifeguards are being cut
but 25 part-time lifeguards would remain.
Administrator Baird announced and explained the proposed budgets for Recreation,
Planning & Development, Planning, Code Enforcement, Parks, Road and Bridge,
Telecommunications and the Tax Collector. (See page 21)
In response to Commissioner Lowther’s suggestion about combining Parks and
Recreation, Administrator Baird responded that he is keeping these departments’ budgets
separate in order to get a good handle on the cost centers.
In response to Commissioner Davis question regarding the efficiency of keeping tree
ordinance enforcement in Code Enforcement, Administrator Baird explained he wanted the
individuals to stay within their own areas of (expertise) responsibilities.
TRANSPORTATION FUND
Administrator Baird announced that the recommended budget for the Transportation
Fund is $18,119,253, an increase of $1,986,744 or 12.3% over the current year. (See page 10)
He attributed the budget increase to 8 new positions, salary adjustments, retirement and health
insurance rate increases, GIS implementation, and an increase in road materials and fuels. He
also advised that they were having a hard time in recruiting engineers due to a national shortage
and that he is losing employees due to our pay plan. Our new Human Resources Director Jim
Sexton is looking at possibly hiring a recruiter for some positions. Administrator Baird
mentioned the possibility of a hiring freeze if building (new construction) slows down. In
response to road building concerns, he noted that $900,000 for roads scheduled for construction
has been moved into the gas sales tax budget.
There was a brief discussion about speed humps.
July 12, 2006
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EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT
Administrator Baird advised that the total budget proposed is $30,063,673, a decrease of
$2,619,734 or 8%. The decrease of about $6 million was due to hurricane repairs to stations. He
announced a proposed millage rate of 1.7639, 11.4% over the current of 1.9911, but still above
rollback. He outlined the costs and repairs scheduled for next year, salary adjustments, the
training tower, a reduction of 6 positions due to consolidation, retirement and health insurance
rate increases, and fuel cost increases. There was a brief discussion on the training tower, recent
hiring freeze, and the status of the construction on Station 2 on the beach.
Commissioner Lowther brought up cross-training within the system, new trainees, fueling
fire trucks and ambulances, and re-stocking fees. He complimented Administrator Baird on
keeping costs down in the process of merging of the fire fighters and paramedics.
AGGREGATE MILLAGE
Administrator Baird announced that the proposed aggregate millage for next fiscal year is
5.3502, compared to 5.9809 for the current year. It is a decrease from last year by 14.55% and
8.37% above rollback. This is a benchmark set by the State. It has to be announced, but no one
pays it because it is a combination of all the ad valorem proceeds from all the districts divided by
the entire taxable value of the county except the land acquisition bond.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND ACQUISITION BOND
Administrator Baird announced that this year’s debt service millage on the 1992 bond
issue for $26 million was .1789 and it is proposed for the next fiscal year to be .1406. The
proposed budget is $2,423,262.
Administrator Baird announced that the proposed budget for the debt service of the 2004
Land Acquisition Bonds is $4,597,671 and the millage is .2702. This bond was issued about 45
days ago. A $250,000 home with Homestead Exemption in the unincorporated area (except
Indian River Shores) will see a decrease of about $74 in their taxes. He explained how values are
increasing on non-homesteaded homes.
A lengthy discussion ensued on the values of non-homesteaded houses and putting a 3%
cap on all property values. Administrator Baird cautioned against and was totally opposed to
July 12, 2006
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putting a 3% cap on all property values for various reasons one of which is that our bond rating
would go down and it would hurt the citizens in this county terribly. Commissioners expressed
their opinions for and against this 3% cap. They also discussed about capping the Constitutional
Officers’ budgets.
As the discussion ensued many additional points were made that supported Administrator
Baird’s advice. Vice Chairman Wheeler credited Administrator Baird for his tight budgeting
efforts, noting that the County is well-run under his guidance. Commissioner Lowther agreed
and thought it was tremendous that people who have homesteaded property have seen their taxes
lowered. He thought a tax cut across-the-board would be extremely detrimental to the County
and mainly on the level of service. Chairman Neuberger supported Administrator Baird’s efforts
in keeping costs down.
Commissioner Davis felt that the budget for next year is way over last year’s and
advocated a cut in the budget across the board.
Administrator Baird emphasized that putting a cap on the millage or on spending would
not be in the best interest of the County or the citizens. He commented that the Legislature has
continued to make the counties pay for more and more for State mandates.
A bar graph was shown comparing IRC’s FY 2005/06 General Fund Millage to
surrounding and similar size counties’ millage rates. (See page 3 of the PowerPoint
presentation.) Administrator Baird pointed out that IRC’s millage is 3.15 and St. Lucie County
is at 7.6. He reiterated that it would be extremely shortsighted and not in the best interest of the
community on long-term outlook to have a millage cap.
The meeting was in recess from 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Chairman Neuberger announced that there had been requests from the public to speak.
Duane Weiss,
on behalf of the Taxpayers Association, reviewed his hand out of data that
was displayed on the overhead screen. He explained that they took a different approach by
looking at the total change of costs for operating the County from July 2004 to July 2005 to July
2006 and the percentage changes. (See the handout in the backup entitled Ad Valorem Taxing
July 12, 2006
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Funds Revenue.) He expressed appreciation to Director Brown for his assistance in providing
information.
Administrator Baird and Budget Director Brown refuted and corrected numbers from Mr.
Weiss’ presentation and pointed out that the July figures were from the budget workshops and
not from the final budgets where changes had been made and anticipated costs were not
included.
Frank Coffey
talked about the fire/rescue budget, in particular the decrease over last
year’s budget, and pointed out that the buildings are also included in their budget. He noted that
the Sheriff does not have to include buildings in his budget.
STREETLIGHTING DISTRICT
Administrator Baird reviewed the streetlighting districts’ process and purpose and
announced the charge for each streetlight district listed in the PowerPoint presentation. He noted
there was no change from last year.
OTHER M.S.B.U.
Administrator Baird advised there are two Municipal Service Benefit Units: East Gifford
Stormwater Watershed and Vero Lake Estates. He commented that the higher the County
charges on this district, the more road work they can get done. It is not too costly for the owner
of a single parcel, but is for the owner of multiple parcels. Staff proposes to keep it the same but
in the long run, he thought it should be increased to get more roads done. A brief discussion
ensued during which Director Brown explained the “cash forward” procedure. Administrator
Baird advised that staff was pursuing grants for the area but those amounts are not included until
notification of the Grant award.
STATE AGENCIES
Administrator Bairdannounced each of the State Agencies’ budgets from the Non-
Departmental Budget Requests booklet and advised that staff proposed a maximum 3.5%
increase for each agency. He explained that the County subsidizes State agencies adding to their
other revenue sources.
July 12, 2006
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Public Defender Diamond Litty
expressed her thanks and told of the work done by her
office.
Court Administrator Thomas A. Genung
advised that he sent over his amended budget
last week for an additional $1,641 but it was not included in the Administration’s proposed
budget. He advised that the amendment was made at the request of the Chief Judge so the judges
could hold a retreat to provide better service locally. It also included money for State of Florida
seals that the State would not provide.
Administrator Baird took the position that the request did not make the deadline and that
it should be covered in the Article V money.
MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Davis,
SECONDED by Commissioner Lowther, to not include
the request for an additional $1,641 in the proposed
budget for Court Administration.
Mr. Genung
Under discussion stated the funds would come out of “court innovations”
funds.
Director Brown explained the source of funding and that the revenue to that fund was
already less than the proposed budget. He believed the County should not get into a position of
starting to pick up the tab.
Administrator Baird asked if Mr. Genung could re-prioritize his budget and cut
something else. He thought Mr. Genung could give more detailed information and emphasized
the deadline.
th
Mr. Genung
explained that the 19 Judicial Circuit is in transition and the Chief Judge
has a vision to make it one of the leading Circuits in the State. In order to do that, the judges
need to get together for a judicial and administrative retreat for consensus building. If this is not
approved, he might have to come back to the Board.
Discussion ensued with more facts and figures and amounts being requested from other
counties in the District.
July 12, 2006
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The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION and the
motion carried 3-1 (Chairman Neuberger opposed;
Commissioner Bowden absent).
Bob Qualm,New Horizons
CEO of , thanked staff and the Board for their support. He
introduced Gina Foster, their Director of their Children’s Services and office in Vero Beach. He
noted that they are involved with the court system and there is a significant difference in
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operation now from county to county in the 19 Judicial District. He understood the need for
consistency in the counties in the circuit court.
Elizabeth Mackenzie,Guardian ad Litem
representing the program, expressed thanks
to the Board for its support for the program and for the kids of Indian River County.
Ernesto Rubio,Health Department
representing the Indian River County , also
expressed thanks for the support of the Board in helping them to help the people of the county.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS
CCC–JK.B
LERK OF IRCUIT OURT EFFREY ARTON
Administrator Baird announced that the Clerk’s proposed budget is $1,284,494.
$1,243,994 is from the General Fund and $40,500 from the Court Facilities Fund; an increase of
$192,382 from the General Fund.
Clerk of Court Jeffrey K. Barton
advised that although he was asking for a 17.4%
increase he reminded them and emphasized that last year he decreased his budget by 42% and
that was probably more than he should have. He pointed out that his decrease was not part of
Article V’s requirements for last year; it was accomplished by moving his IT (Information
Technology/Services) department out of the General Fund 3 years ahead of the required time, to
accommodate the Board and bring expenses down. He was adding one new position and had just
learned yesterday of one retirement. His proposed budget is to operate the offices of Finance and
Clerk to the Board and has nothing to do with running the Court system. He advised that his
$70,000 request (a 6.5 % increase in his budget) is to purchase new software to streamline the
Value Adjustment Board (VAB) process; it would coordinate the Clerk to the Board’s office
with the citizens, the Special Magistrates, and the Property Appraiser’s office. The software is
July 12, 2006
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new and we were given a break on the cost as one of the first- two counties in Florida to use the
system.
Frank Coffey
commented on the 17.6% increase as well as salary increases, stating it
was his understanding that this might be Mr. Barton’s last time to submit a budget.
Clerk Barton
responded that his current term does not end until 2008 and he has not yet
made a definite decision on running for another term.
TC–CW.S
AX OLLECTOR HARLES EMBLER
Administrator Baird explained that the Tax Collector’s budget is estimated at $1,205,064,
st
explaining that the Tax Collector does not have to submit his budget to the State until August 1.
Assistant Tax Collector Jeff Smith
, advised that Tax Collector Charlie Sembler was not
present because he had another meeting but sent his regards. He explained the sliding scale
percentage rates prescribed by State law regarding the collection of taxes by the Tax Collector’s
office. He pointed out that their operating budget has consistently been under 5% per year and a
record number of dollars has been returned to the Board each year and will be this year. The
office works aggressively on collecting the taxes and as a result they have collected all but
.056% of the total $252 million tax roll; the remainder, approximately $141,000, is in litigation.
They will be going to warrant with 12 personal property tax warrants, in comparison to 540+
when Mr. Sembler went into the office. He noted that all of the tax certificates were sold and not
one to the County.
A discussion was held concerning the differences in Workers’ Compensation budgets and
rates for the personnel in Constitutional Officers’ staffs.
PA–DC.N
ROPERTY PPRAISER AVID OLTE
Comptroller for Tax Collector Dick Tallman
offered to answer questions and advised
that David Nolte was at an out-of-town meeting.
Administrator Baird advised that the Property Appraiser’s proposed budget is
$4,020,371. The taxing funds portion is $3,609,791. The portion in the General Fund is
$3,182,548.
There were no questions.
July 12, 2006
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SE–KC
UPERVISOR OF LECTIONS AY LEM
Supervisor of Elections Kay Clem
advised that once again her office has unfunded
State mandates requiring her to have additional equipment by 2008 to provide for the statewide
voter registration database. She explained it would allow people to change their address on
Election Day but there is no live/real time hookup database until 2008. There is also a
requirement for the poll workers to count the number of signatures at the end of Election Day
and compare those with the number of votes on the voting machines that day; this is a task they
have done in the past the day after election. New software will automate and make that process
more accurate.
Mrs. Clem
In response to Commissioner Lowther, explained the reason for the small
print size on cable TV after the March election and advised that it has been corrected.
Mrs. Clem
explained her increased warehousing needs and mentioned that she would
probably come back next year for funding for paper audit trails. She believed it was a good
rd
move to move her office out to the 43 Avenue site. When that decision was made, the sitting
Commission agreed to it with the provision that she would have a satellite office in the new
County Administration Building and she had agreed but reminded them that it would need to be
staffed resulting in an on-going expense. She did not want or need that office.
Mrs. Clem,
Commissioners, and Administrator Baird discussed whether or not an
Elections satellite office in the County Administration Complex necessitated the additional
expense. There was CONSENSUS to not have such an office and that the expenses in the
proposed budget for that office would be cut.
Frank Coffey
commented that the Space Needs Committee’s recommendation was to
have the Elections office in the same complex with all the other government functions, including
Emergency Services. He understood there were good reasons for separating the Elections office
and the Emergency Services Department and his opinion was that Mrs. Clem knew what was
best for her office.
The meeting was recessed for a lunch break at 11:54 a.m.
The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. with all members present who
attended the morning session.
July 12, 2006
10
PUBLIC HEARING – SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT (SWDD)
Those minutes have been prepared separately.
At 1:40 p.m., the Chairman resumed the budget workshop agenda.
CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS (CONTINUED)
S–RR
HERIFF OY AYMOND
Administrator Baird introduced the Sheriff’s proposed budget for a total of $42,270,137;
it is a $4,452,789 increase over last year. The General Fund portion of that is $41,788,674, a
$4,082,287 or a 10.8% increase over last year
Sheriff Roy Raymond
assured the Commissioners that although the Chambers
overflowed with his personnel, they were either off-duty or on leave time. He used PowerPoint
illustrations to aid in his presentation. He advised that his first proposed budget submitted was
for $42,340,671. Passage of HB 5025 increased the retirement contribution rate resulting in a
$560,546 increase, which brought their budget up to $42,901,217 for a 13.44% increase. The
salary cuts on this budget requested by Administrator Baird and Director Brown were
unacceptable and would put them behind other counties. By gambling on attrition by retirement
or resignations, he reduced the salary adjustment from 6% to 3% resulting in a $1 million cut.
He stressed that his budget also covers 100 volunteers’ uniforms and vehicles, civilian
employees for both law enforcement and the Jail. His office is a 24-hour operation; he must
have sufficient manpower for emergencies provide clothing and special equipment for deputies;
and, they must comply with mandated State training hours. He pointed out that electricity costs
are up 35%, gasoline costs are up 40%, and liability insurance costs have increased. He also
explained the need for each position he wanted to add. He appreciated the ability to transfer
funds from unused categories to capital to fund purchases of needed capital expenditures. It
particularly helps to purchase vehicles at the end of the budget year when prices are down. He
noted their need for sufficient generator power for the building if electric power fails for air-
conditioning in their windowless building. In closing, he noted that George Gross, the Citizens’
Review Committee’s representative, was present during the whole budget process.
July 12, 2006
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George Gross
, representing the Citizens’ Review Committee, explained the CRC’s
formation 5 years ago, its purpose, its membership of 2 individuals appointed by each
Commissioner, the process the CRC uses in regard to the Sheriff’s budget, and how they make
decisions. He spoke well of the Sheriff’s management philosophy and use of the zero-based
budget.
Deputy Charles Philip Craig
was concerned aboutkeeping employees and the need to
pay them so they can work here and live here.
Duane Weiss
, representing IRC Taxpayer’s Association president, advised that Mr.
Coffey prepared a PowerPoint presentation on their behalf:
Frank Coffey
expressed appreciation to the Commissioners with whom he and Mr.
Weiss had met, and to staff members for their time and help. He advised of the Taxpayers’
Association’s concerns regarding the Sheriff’s proposed budget and request for additional
employees. He made several suggestions for reductions in the proposed budget and
recommended that the Board establish a “citizen’s budget oversight committee”. (A copy of Mr.
Coffey’s presentation is on file with the backup.)
Sheriff Raymond
made a brief rebuttal stating that he has, every year, offered Mr.
Coffey and the Taxpayers’ Association the opportunity to participate in their budget process. He
also disputed several figures in Mr. Coffey’s presentation.
Discussion ensued.
MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Lowther,
SECONDED by Chairman Neuberger, to raise (Sheriff’s
Office) salaries to where Martin County’s (Sheriff’s
Office) salaries are.
Barbara Armor
, a local bank’s residential lender, supported the Motion based on the
thought that a starting salary in IRC might qualify someone to buy only a $95,000 house.
The following spoke in support of the Sheriff’s budget request:
Sgt.Bill LawsonDeputy Robert HattonCorrections Officer Roger Harrington,
, ,
Deputy Annie NortonDeputy Valerie ReinhartDeputy Marshall Bruce, Sgt. Troy
, ,
SkullingsJail Nurse Yvonne Paz, and CaptainBill McMillan.
,
July 12, 2006
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Captain McMillan
commented on the over 400,000 prescriptions for Jail inmates last
year, adding that jail systems everywhere have become part of the indigent care network and jails
are obliged to treat them.
Discussion ensued on how the Sheriff’s budget might be able to bring back the raises to
12% on the $440,000 and how the loss of the proposed additional $650,000 would affect the
overall operation.
Sheriff Raymond
advised that he had hired or had commitments for all the new Jail
positions by the end of this fiscal year. Most of them have been phased in.
Commissioner Lowther specified that his MOTION stood. He wanted to make certain
the motion included the 12% increase. He advised of his intention to do likewise with other
public safety groups and wanted it done for teachers as well.
Vice Chairman Wheeler emphasized that he wanted to make certain that whatever
amount is added back to the Sheriff’s budget stayed in salaries and was not transferred to any
other purpose without making it public by coming back to the Commission for approval.
Sheriff Raymond
advised that he could not make such a transfer without coming to the
Commission. He also responded to questions concerning loss of employees and comparisons to
other counties’ salaries.
Discussion ensued. An unidentified deputy stated that he had to have a second job
“catching critters” to make ends meet.
The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION and the
motion carried unanimously. (4-0, Commissioner
Bowden was absent). (Clerk’s Note: $440,000 was put
back into the Sheriff’s proposed budget.)
The Chairman called a 10-minutes recess at 3:31 p.m. The meeting was reconvened at
3:42 p.m. with Chairman Neuberger, Commissioner Lowther, and Vice Chairman Wheeler
present. Commissioner Davis entered moments later.
July 12, 2006
13
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Administrator Baird advised that a few years ago the Commission capped the non-profits
at $110,772 total. He announced each of the non-profit organizations and their proposed
budgets. He recounted that the policy is that they would fund an agency for a maximum of 3
years. There was a brief discussion about the World Changers’ carryover from the previous
budget.
QUASI-NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Administrator Baird advised that these agencies do a function that the County would have
to do if they went out of business and that we usually have a contractual arrangement with them.
He announced each agency and their proposed budget.
CHOOSE LIFE LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM
Administrator Baird advised that the fund for Carenet is a pass-thru of funds collected
from license plates and announced the amount recommended.
CHILDREN’S SERVICES
Administrator Baird advised of the amount of $1,208,100 that the Board voted for the
Children’s Services Advisory Committee to allocate.
SEBASTIAN COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AREA
Administrator Baird announced the proposed amount of $301,000 for the Sebastian CRA
Fellsmere Community
and added that he would have to add an additional $34,410 for the
Redevelopment Area.
Director Brown advised that information was received just this morning.
Administrator Baird added that we are legally obligated to pay it so it will have to be added to
the budget.
The Commissioners agreed to Administrator Baird’s suggestion to continue on the budget
workshop agenda so they would not have to come back the next day.
July 12, 2006
14
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
SR
HOOTING ANGE
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is in the amount of $440,240 and
responded to questions regarding the need and delay for the skeet shooting permitting. He
thought it would be a big moneymaker and that we would need help from our State
Representative. He noted that our Auditor would require that we put this under the General Fund
if it cannot meet the Enterprise Fund requirements. It was suggested that this matter be put on
the next agenda.
Duane Weiss
presented figures on the shooting range and advised that he continued to
support increasing user fees or some other means to be a true enterprise.
Mr. WeissLaw Library
also questioned the budget each year of $40,000 for the .
Administrator Baird explained the cost, and County Attorney Collins added that the Law
Library was for the use of the general public in addition to the lawyers and judges.
Frank Coffey
reinforced Mr. Weiss’ comments regarding the Shooting Range.
Administrator Baird acknowledged that it is not making money. He explained that staff
had said they would attempt to make it an Enterprise Fund. A couple of things have caused a
negative draw: the skeet shooting not opening and significant hurricane damages. He stated that
if it does not make money in the next year or two, it would have to be put into the General Fund.
C()
LUBHOUSE GOLF COURSE
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget as $3,451,608 and the that golf
course is doing very well, up about $300,000 above last year in revenues.
BD
UILDING EPARTMENT
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is $4,663,724. There is one new
position in the budget.
July 12, 2006
15
ENTERPRISE FUNDS
U
TILITIES
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is $37,054,743 and there are 9 new
positions due to the 6.7% growth in the last year. This fund does make a profit.
UIF
TILITY MPACT EES
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is $6,151,250.
INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS
FM
LEET ANAGEMENT
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is $3,748,785.
RM(-)
ISK ANAGEMENT SELFINSURANCE FUND
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is for Workers’ Compensation,
Property and Casualty, and is in the amount of $6,323,569.
HIF
EALTH NSURANCE UND
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is $13,608,690.
GIS
EOGRAPHIC NFORMATION YSTEMS
Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for GIS is $1,394,754.
MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS
Administrator Baird announced the following proposed budgets and briefly commented
and responded to questions on each, as necessary:
Road Improvement Fees $3,584,149
New Traffic Improvement Fees $53,223,956
Additional Impact Fees $8,253,576
Court Facilities Funds $52,000
July 12, 2006
16
Housing Authority $222,422
Rental Assistance $1,807,965
Secondary Road Construction $25,823,475
Special Law Enforcement -
STARTS AT ZERO
Parks Development $25,000
Tree Ordinance Fines $25,000
Tourist Development Fund $624,750
911 Surcharge $864,318
Drug Abuse Fund $108,822
IRCLHAP/SHIP $1,809,061
Metro Planning Organization (MPO) $791,963
Land Acquisition $50,000
START
MACE Law Enforcement Trust Fund -
STARTS AT ZERO
Native Uplands Acquisition $55,000
Beach Restoration $16,604,526
Community Development Block Grant $250,700
Florida Boating Improvement Program $415,000
Disabled Access Programs $20,000
Intergovernmental Grants $255,664
Traffic Education Program -
STARTS AT ZERO
CDBG Disaster Recovery Grant $9,975,550
Court Facility Surchage Fund $107,967
Additional Court Costs Fund $116,715
Court Technology Fund $567,501
Land Acquisition Series 2006 $25,000,000
Dodger Bonds $1,244,063
Laura AlexanderTreasure Coast Food Bank
, Executive Director of the , (Quasi-Non-
Profit Organization) was grateful for the funds given them but was asking for full amount of their
request and stressed the importance, the demand, and cost increases for delivering food to Indian
River County.
July 12, 2006
17
Administrator Baird explained that the County had eight (8) agencies requesting, but only
4 of them received funds. The funding recommendation for this agency would be a 48%
increase over last year.
Michael Hubler,Gifford Youth Activity Center
, (GYAC) (Quasi-Non-Profit
Organization) thanked the Commission for their support and noted that they are serving four
times as many kids as when they opened. He suggested that the existing caps need to be
addressed and that future considerations be given to the services they are providing for children.
He noted that the demand and the need have been growing exponentially.
Director Brown advised that the contract with the GYAC limits the annual increase to the
consumer price index (CPI) or 3% a year. He also advised they would be receiving $109,000
from Children’s Services funding in addition to the $136,000 already being provided in this part
of the budget.
CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS
Administrator Baird announced the following proposed budgets and briefly commented
and responded to questions on each, as necessary:
Dodgertown Facility $307,000
Dodgertown Capital Reserve Fund $2,000,000
Shooting Range Construction $20,000
Optional One-Cent Sales Tax $52,897,480
Gifford Road Improvements $2,900,000
Homeless Assistance Center $0
Old Fellsmere School $0
Commissioner Davis suggested the LAP grant be looked at in conjunction with the bike
path in Fellsmere, and Administrator Baird advised staff would look at that because the County
has not been able to get a bid on the project for the budgeted amount.
Administrator Baird advised that staff would calculate today’s changes and asked for a
short period of time to check them.
July 12, 2006
18
County Attorney Collins advised that he had researched and read the applicable statute
concerning Supervisor of Elections Kay Clem’s request that she not be required to have an office
in the new County Administration Building. He explained they could adopt a resolution after not
less than two public hearings to expand the geographical area of the County Seat beyond the
corporate limits of the municipality (Vero Beach). It would not extend the boundaries of the
municipality or annex any property into the municipality. It was determined that County
Attorney Collins would start that process.
Administrator Baird thought it might be a good idea because of the County complex
rd
being developed out on 43 Avenue.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PUBLICHEARINGSONTENTATIVEANDFINALBUDGETAND
MILLAGERATES
Chairman Neuberger announced that the first public hearing on the FY 2006/2007 budget
and proposed millage rates would be held on September 6, 2006 at 5:01 p.m. The final budget
hearing and adoption of the millage rates will be held on September 13, 2006, at 5:01 p.m.
The Chairman called a brief recess at 4:30 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 4:30 p.m.
CHANGESINPROPOSEDMILLAGERATEANDCHANGESIN
FUNDINGASDISCUSSEDANDAPPROVED
Administrator Baird announced that the new tentative General Fund proposed millage
rate is a maximum of 3.1973, 10.14 % above rollback, 9.2% below current. The MSTU is at
rollback now and the same millage rate of 1.1336, down from 1.3969, 18.9% below current. The
Emergency Services District remained the same. Our proposed aggregate millage is 5.3681,
about 14% below current.
Budget Director Brown thanked his staff and summarized the changes as follows:
Increase the Sheriff’s budget approximately $439,600;
Decrease Supervisor of Elections budget by $27,030;
July 12, 2006
19
Reduce budget for Clerk of the Court by $69,000;
Add $34,410 for Fellsmere CRA;
Remove West Brackett Library $63,826.
(CLERK’S NOTE: ALL BUSINESS WAS COMPLETED IN THE ONE DAY AND
THEREFORE A MEETING ON JULY 13 2006 WAS NOT NECESSARY AND WAS NOT
HELD.)
ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION INCLUDING
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION AND
A COPY OF THE POWERPOINT PRESENTATION
IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD
AND IS HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES
There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting
was adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ________________________________
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Arthur R. Neuberger, Chairman
Minutes Approved: _________________
pr
July 12, 2006
20