The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About07/13/2005 INDEX TO MINUTES OF BUDGET WORKSHOP OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF JULY 13, 2005 CALL TO ORDER ............................................................................................................. 1 INVOCATION .................................................................................................................... 1 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ........................................................................................... 1 GENERAL OVERVIEW................................................................................................... 2 JOSEPH A. BAIRD, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR ................................................... 2 GENERAL FUND .............................................................................................................. 2 MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S.T.U.) .................................................... 3 TRANSPORTATION FUND ............................................................................................ 3 EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT .......................................................................... 4 ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND ACQUISITION BOND ....................... 4 July 13, 2005 1 AGGREGATE MILLAGE ................................................................................................ 5 BUDGETEFFECTONATYPICALHOUSE ..................................................................5 NON-DEPARTMENTAL .................................................................................................. 5 STATEAGENCIES ............................................................................................................5 STREETLIGHTING DISTRICTS ................................................................................... 6 OTHER M.S.B.U. ............................................................................................................... 6 MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS ............................................................................................ 6 PUBLIC HEARING – SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT (SWDD) ................ 8 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ................................................................................. 9 QUASI-NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS ................................................................. 11 CHOOSE LIFE LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM ......................................................... 11 C’S ...................................................................................................... 12 HILDRENS ERVICES CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS .................................................................................. 13 CCC–JK.B ........................................................... 13 LERK OF IRCUIT OURT EFFREY ARTON TC–CS ............................................................................. 13 AX OLLECTOR HARLES EMBLER PA–DC.N ........................................................................ 14 ROPERTY PPRAISER AVID OLTE SE–KC.......................................................................... 15 UPERVISOR OF LECTIONS AY LEM S–RR ................................................................................................. 15 HERIFF OY AYMOND July 13, 2005 2 ENTERPRISE FUNDS .................................................................................................... 16 SR .............................................................................................................. 16 HOOTING ANGE GCM........................................................................................... 17 OLF OURSE AINTENANCE BD .................................................................................................... 17 UILDING EPARTMENT U ........................................................................................................................... 17 TILITIES INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS ...................................................................................... 17 CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS ........................................................................................ 17 July 13, 2005 3 July 13, 2005 BUDGET WORKSHOP OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met at the th County Commission Chambers, 1840 25 Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Thursday, July 13, 2005. Present were Chairman Thomas S. Lowther, Vice Chairman Arthur R. Neuberger, Commissioners Sandra L. Bowden, and Gary C. Wheeler. Commissioner Wesley S. Davis arrived at 10:02 a.m. 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 Lowther called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. INVOCATION Public Works Director Jim Davis delivered the Invocation. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairman Thomas S. Lowther led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. July 13, 2005 1 GENERAL OVERVIEW JOSEPH A. BAIRD, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR County Administrator Baird presented his budget message. He emphasized the impact of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne on the County’s reserves and noted the budgets across the board are skewed for that reason. He specified that it was not necessary to borrow any money for hurricane recovery and he planned to continue fiscal responsibility in the future by setting aside reserves to prepare for unexpected future severe weather events. Continued population growth has also impacted the County’s budget. He highlighted the need for new personnel and enumerated the positions being added to various departments, particularly to the Sheriff’s budget due to additional staffing for the expansion of the Jail. He believed the budget to be very conservative. County Administrator Baird then responded to Commissioners’ questions and gave examples of taxes an average homeowner with Homestead Exemption will pay. Dwayne Weise , a member of the Taxpayers Association, presented a handout to the Commissioners which he said was an analysis of the past 10 years taxes from a taxpayer’s point of view. Among other remarks, he suggested formation of a citizens oversight committee. County Administrator Baird addressed Mr. Weise’s comments in detail. Frank Coffey gave the Commissioners several handouts (charts) and commented that population growth requires additional employees and the increase in the number of employees concerned him. County Administrator Baird specified that most of the new employees are needed for the expansion of the Jail and “in-the-field” inspectors for the Building Division. GENERAL FUND County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for each of the ad valorem tax funds under the Board of County Commissioners, Constitutional Officers, and State Agencies (see page 21). The General Fund millage is proposed at 3.5241, a 2.7% reduction July 13, 2005 2 (10.7% above rollback). He gave an overview of the numbers and explained the reason for increases. He listed the new positions in departments under the Board with an overall budget decrease of $321,283 (-1.83%). He read the recommended dollar amount for each office as listed on page 21 and explained as necessary. In response to Chairman Lowther, he advised that he is looking at reorganization of the Parks and Recreation Departments later in the year. In response to Commissioner Neuberger, County Administrator Baird explained that proposed budgets for Communications, Emergency Management, and Buildings & Grounds were down because of the hurricanes’ inflated effect on the current fiscal year’s budgets. He also explained the effect of Article V on the Clerk’s budget. Chairman Lowther was pleased that Indian River County was one of the few counties that did not have to borrow money after the hurricanes, and County Administrator Baird added that Indian River County has been putting aside a little money each year for a natural disaster and it finally happened. Commissioner Wheeler recalled the criticism when this practice was first started. Mr. Coffey was concerned about future operating cost at the joint library facility that will be built at the Mueller Campus at Indian River Community College. There was also discussion about a library in south county and the Gifford Library. MUNICIPAL SERVICE TAXING UNIT (M.S.T.U.) County Administrator Baird explained this is a taxing fund for the unincorporated area and similar to the municipalities’ millage. The proposed budget is $27,260,610 an increase of $2,077,486 or 8.3%. TRANSPORTATION FUND County Administrator Baird explained this fund is related to our Road & Bridge, Public Works, Engineering, Traffic Engineering and Stormwater and it derives about 70% from July 13, 2005 3 the General Fund MSTU. The proposed budget is $15,675,888 which includes a $551,975 increase for funding 11 new positions mainly due to growth. EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT County Administrator Baird announced a proposed millage of 1.9911, .4% more than last year. The proposed total budget is $26,108,023, an increase of $2,976,751, or 12.9%. Four new positions are proposed, 3 for the ladder truck ($118,674) and a mechanic ($44,504). Mr. Coffey submitted a chart he had prepared and spoke about the increases in this fund. County Administrator Baird responded to questions concerning staffing increases which prompted a discussion on the costs of possible consolidation of firefighters and paramedics. County Administrator Baird advised that a draft of the consolidation report was being worked on and explained that $3 million is being set aside in the proposed budget to cover increases to this fund. Steve Myers (Teamsters Union, Local 769, Paramedics Business Representative) questioned how the County would be reducing the budget by consolidation of fire and paramedics. Discussion on this matter followed until Chairman Lowther ruled against further debate on consolidation and contract negotiations at this meeting. ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE LAND ACQUISITION BOND County Administrator Baird reported this fund is to pay the debt service on $26 million previously approved. The total budget is $2,445,071. He recounted that the voters had approved an additional $50 million bond issue. He anticipated issuing part of it this year. The proposed budget for the additional bonds is $2,615,640 at a millage of 0.1922. He is watching the market and the timing very carefully for issuing these bonds. July 13, 2005 4 AGGREGATE MILLAGE County Administrator Baird explained that Aggregate Millage is simply a benchmark the State uses to compare all counties. The Aggregate Millage is 5.9846, 1.7% below current and 11.8% above rollback. BUDGETEFFECTONATYPICALHOUSE County Administrator Baird gave tax information on a typical house (in the unincorporated area of the county) assessed at $200,000 with a $25,000 Homestead Exemption. The tax will increase $31.91. Property tax within a municipality’s boundaries would also increase. In a brief discussion, it was pointed out that taxes on commercial property and unimproved land would be up dramatically. NON-DEPARTMENTAL STATEAGENCIES County Administrator Baird announced the budget for each of the State agencies. He explained that some of these agencies’ budgets are funded by the State and advised of their offices’ relationship to Article V, if any. Bruce Colton Brief remarks were made by State Attorney, Public Defender Diamond Litty Tom WillisDr. Roger Mittleman, , Court Administrator, Medical Examiner Mark GodwinBob Quam , Director of the Guardian ad Litem program, and , the new CEO of New Horizons. County Administrator Baird advised that the proposed budget for the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) is $54,537.00 and is based on a set formula. The State Forestry’s budget is based on acreage and amounts to $2,866.00. The Health Department will get $834,418, a $24,303 increase from last year. July 13, 2005 5 Miranda Swanson , assistant director of the Health Department, advised that they have added a walk-in physician and a dentist in the dental clinic. Next, County Administrator Baird advised the funding for the Environmental Control Board for FY 2005/2006 is recommended at $20,116 or a $958 increase. At 11:38 a.m., it was decided to proceed with some of the next day’s scheduled items because the workshop was proceeding quicker than scheduled. STREETLIGHTING DISTRICTS County Administrator Baird announced that only four streetlighting districts’ per parcel amounts would be changed. Vero Highlands will be going up $1 to $23 per parcel to cover the bill we receive. The Moorings will be reduced by $1 to $14 per parcel for the same reason. Glendale Lakes will go up to $38, a $4 increase; and Floralton Beach will go to $29 per parcel, a $2 increase. All the others will remain the same as last year. OTHER M.S.B.U. The other per parcel charges under the Non-Ad Valorem Assessments for East Gifford Stormwater Watershed and Vero Lake Estates MSBU will remain the same as last year. Then County Administrator Baird suggested covering the Miscellaneous Funds on the agenda for Thursday. MISCELLANEOUS FUNDS County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for Road Improvement Fees would be $2,149,958. The proposed budget for New Traffic Improvements Fees is $29,355,746. The Additional Impact Fee fund fees are listed on page 44 and the July 13, 2005 6 proposed budget is $3,684,047. The proposed budget for the Court Facilities Fund is $52,000; he explained that after this money is used, this fund would go away. Mr. Coffey, In response to County Administrator Baird gave details on the new impact fees. County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for the Housing Authority is $176,509. He explained this fund pays partial salaries for the employees and we are working with them on some of the SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) projects in Orange Heights and Victory Park, particularly for air-conditioning. Chairman Lowther asked County Administrator Baird to keep the Board informed about the programs the Housing Authority is overseeing. In response to Commissioner Neuberger, County Administrator Baird advised a management firm might be hired to maintain the Housing Authority. County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for Rental Assistance is $1,698,745 which is a pass-through from the Federal government. The proposed budget for Secondary Road Construction (6-cent gas tax and constitutional gas tax) is $3,825,911. County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for the following funds: Parks Development Fund - $25,000; Tree Ordinance fines - $25,000; Tourist Development fund - $608,125 from tourist tax; and 911 Surcharge - $596,986. County Administrator Baird and Budget Director Brown responded to questions concerning the 911 fund. County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for the Drug Abuse Fund is $174,114. The next proposed budget is our SHIP program for $938,904. This does not include the $14 million for which we are going to apply. County Administrator Baird advised the proposed budget for the Metropolitan Planning Organization is $578,590. The next proposed budget is for the Land Acquisition Property funds in the amount of $1,400,000 or approximately what is remaining of the bond issue. He announced the proposed budgets for the funds remaining in the Non-Ad Valorem category. July 13, 2005 7 County Administrator Baird addressed Mr. Coffey’s question about the shortfall of $2 million in the Beach Restoration budget. It will be up to the Board to decide where to obtain those funds. He pointed out that the County has traditionally paid for all the municipalities’ beaches. Discussion ensued on the value of beach restoration. There was also discussion on the CDBG funds and County Administrator Baird advised that the County is proceeding with a boat ramp on the river at Oslo Road. Public Works Director Jim Davis reported some of the particulars on possible boat ramp funding programs. Commissioner Davis offered his assistance with the FRDAP application process, and Director Davis listed the programs completed with FRDAP funding and pointed out we can have only 3 programs at one time. County Administrator Baird understood that Commissioner Davis could assist with other grant opportunities as well. Commissioner Davis favored a shelter at Middleton Fish Camp for safety reasons. County Administrator Baird continued to announce the following proposed budgets: Court Facility Trust Fund (Article V) $103,204 ($15 charge); Additional Court Costs Fund (also Article V) $36,207; Court Technology Fund ($2 charge) $510,000; Dodger Bond Fund to pay debt service $1,246,233. The Chairman called a recess for lunch at 12:12 p.m. AFTERNOON SESSION PUBLIC HEARING – SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT (SWDD) The Chairman reconvened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. and specified it was time for the Solid Waste Disposal District public hearing. Those minutes have been prepared separately. July 13, 2005 8 At 1:40 p.m., the Chairman resumed the Board of County Commissioners’ budget workshop agenda. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS County Administrator Baird advised these budgets could be found on page 22 of the Budget Workshop booklet. Details can be found in the Non-Departmental Budget Requests booklet starting on page 113. He explained that a few years ago these budgets were capped at a 3-year funding limit; this is the first year the previously funded organizations must drop off to give other non-profits an opportunity to apply. The amount is capped at $110,772. Staff has reviewed these requests and made recommendations; it is time for the Board to decide which agencies to fund. The following organizations and amounts were recommended by staff: Alzheimer/Parkinson Association of Indian River County $22,440; Catholic Charities/Samaritan Center $23,375; Gifford Satellite Library $30,932; Treasure Coast Food Bank $14,025; and World Changers $20,000; for a total of $110,772. Michael Hubler , the new Executive Director of the Gifford Youth Activity Center, appreciated the funding of the library expansion. He advised of other initiatives within the library, commented on the increased usage and gratifying results. He also spoke of other activities for which they need funding. He asked for software and recreation assistance for their gym. County Administrator Baird explained applications need to be made through Children’s Services for any other programs they wish to add. He also explained that under an agreement with them, if we fund any other programs, we reduce what we pay them in administration. There was discussion on the initial structuring for funding the Gifford Library as a satellite library and County Administrator Baird explained how the capping occurred. Vice Chairman Neuberger and Chairman Lowther wanted to see the Gifford Library under our library system. July 13, 2005 9 Frank Coffey understood the Gifford Library is a part of the library system. He encouraged the Commissioners to take a hard look at putting it under the County’s library system. County Administrator Baird explained how the funding has been allocated. It was suggested that we work toward making it better next year but to keep it as is now. th Freddy Woolfork , 4590 57 Avenue, appreciates all the County’s assistance but when the pool came on line, the recreation staff was moved. Since the activities dwindled the participation has decreased. The idea is to have programs to lure the kids in off the street and teach them once they begin to participate. Crystal Beujold , Vero Beach, asked the Board to consider the importance of the GYAC in directing minds of young people away from the street in terms of culture and community affairs. Joseph Ortiz , the new Executive Director for the Homeless Family Center, appreciated past support and wanted to make the Board aware that they are struggling with basic needs for the homeless children of Indian River County and are turning away an average of five individuals per day because of limited resources and space of the Center. Mr. Coffey spoke in opposition to funding two new requests: Catholic Charities of Diocese – Samaritan Center because they have only one director on their board living in Indian River County; and World Changers. He believed it inappropriate to support these requests and urged full evaluation. Julie Keenan , Program Administrator at the Samaritan Center, clarified that two County people now are on their Board of Directors. County Administrator Baird explained the County would fund the materials used by the World Changers; he recommended it because he personally saw the wonderful job they did in West Wabasso (fixing homes post hurricanes). Rev. McIntosh of Gifford spoke on behalf of World Changers and gave examples of how children and adults provided tangible assistance for the residents of West Wabasso out of their own pockets. July 13, 2005 10 Laura Alexander , Executive Director of the Treasure Coast Food Bank, reviewed the agency’s accomplishments explaining their function using surplus food and servicing 23 agencies in the 4-county area. She handed out information on how the Food Bank makes their distribution as well as their food distribution after the 2004 hurricanes. She requested the Board consider funding the additional $6,000 to leverage their resources. County Administrator Baird requested a copy of their rules for his file. Commissioner Wheeler suggested a workshop be held concerning standard criteria that agencies would need to meet for funding. Commissioners Davis and Bowden supported a workshop. Penny Chandler, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, supported a workshop and pointed out that some of these organizations are doing work that would fall on the County if they did not exist. Larry Wapnick appeared as president of the Veterans’ Council of Indian River Art Perotti County along with to speak of increased transportation needs for local veterans. County Administrator Baird explained they are budgeted under Veterans’ Services because they do programs for veterans. He suggested that the Veterans’ Council partner with Council on Aging for some of the transportation issues and look into grants. QUASI-NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS County Administrator Baird announced each organization and its proposed funding. CHOOSE LIFE LICENSE PLATE PROGRAM County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for CareNet Pregnancy Centers is $18,000. July 13, 2005 11 Caroline Ginn Former Commissioner, president of the Board for CareNet Pregnancy Center, pointed out this is not tax money but money from Choose Life License Plate program. She asked for the full amount in order to provide funding for their program. County Administrator Baird specified that this Center is the only eligible applicant. st The funds will be available October 1 and he will do a budget amendment when they know the funding amount. The Chairman called a recess at 3:14 p.m. and the meeting was reconvened at 3:26 p.m. with all the members present as well as staff. C’S HILDRENS ERVICES County Administrator Baird distributed a list with recommendations from the Children’s Services Advisory Committee (CSAC) for funding the grant applications. (A copy is on file with the backup in the Office of the Clerk to the Board.) He advised that he had recommended staying at the same amount as last year, but the CSAC recommended a higher amount. Discussion was held on the parameters of the ordinance, the funding cap, and the amount that goes to salaries. Frank Coffey distributed a chart showing the years of funding Children’s Services and noted that the amounts have grown. He commented the Board needs to consider where they need to start drawing the line. County Administrator Baird advised that he is recommending $1,223,000 and explained how this funding came out of Ordinance No. 1997-017 that sets the criteria and cap. Chairman Lowther and Commissioner Wheeler inquired whether the School Board was approached to fund the H.O.P.E. Academy. Discussion ensued and Human Services Director Joyce Johnston-Carlson reasoned that as the county grows so does the number of children; programs are needed to keep children July 13, 2005 12 busy after school. She explained how the recommendations came about and advised of the impact of last year’s hurricanes on the programs. Chairman Lowther wanted to leave the funding as it was last year at $1,173,000, and Commissioners Davis, Wheeler, and Bowden agreed. There was discussion as to how to cut back the recommendation to last year’s funding. On Ms. Johnston-Carlson’s suggestion, there was CONSENSUS to cut the CSAC recommended amounts by 4% across the board. Ronny Hewitt , President & CEO of the Boys and Girls Clubs, appealed to the Board to reconsider the amounts and put their funding back to last year’s amount. Their program helps the kids stay out of jail. He advised of the requests for their club to establish new programs in other parts of the county. Mr. Hubler of GYAC asked that if there is any money left over to send it their way. CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS CCC–JK.B LERK OF IRCUIT OURT EFFREY ARTON County Administrator Baird advised that the Clerk’s budget is down due to Article V. The proposed budget is $1,091,232, a $785,306 decrease. Finance Director Diane Bernardo thanked the Board for their support. TC–CS AX OLLECTOR HARLES EMBLER County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget in the amount of $845,513. Tax Collector Charlie Sembler spoke of the county’s growth and proper identification requirements. He advised the lease for the Ryanwood office would expire in 2 years, and because it is such a busy intersection, he expected that office would probably relocate July 13, 2005 13 to the west on SR60. He advised that 50% of the business in the Sebastian office is from Brevard County; that office is a moneymaker because we get to keep those fees. They are also seeing people coming to the main office from north St. Lucie County. He anticipates a need for additional employees in the future to continue to provide good service. In response to Chairman Lowther, Mr. Sembler spoke about drivers’ license office issues, particularly funding and personnel. He thanked the Commissioners and staff for all their help particularly after the 2004 hurricanes. Commissioner Bowden commented, for the record, that the Tax Collector’s office provides service with courtesy. PA–DC.N ROPERTY PPRAISER AVID OLTE County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget in the amount of $3,610,446, an increase of $169,561. The General Fund portion is $2,785,472. Property Appraiser David Nolte thought County Administrator Baird and Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown have done a great job during the horrible times with the hurricanes and rebuilding problems. He was confident this County would survive just fine. The programs put in by the Legislature worked well thanks to the cooperation and working together in this great County. Chairman Lowther commended Mr. Nolte on a fine job, and Mr. Nolte commented that the real test will be when the people see their tax notices and get their new assessments to see if we handled the damage correctly and how we get through the TRIM (truth in millage) period. The tax roll is up $2 billion and about $700 million was taken off the tax rolls for damage. When the hurricane damage is repaired, there will probably be another billion dollars come on and with the growth we will see record tax rolls for the next 2-3 years. If it slows down, there will be quite a reawakening. In response to Commissioner Wheeler, he estimated that for non-homesteaded property the average tax increase would be about double. July 13, 2005 14 SE–KC UPERVISOR OF LECTIONS AY LEM County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget is $1,235,870, a $172,506 increase. Supervisor of Elections Kay Clem recalled that her office was slammed with unfunded mandates from the Legislature. She advised of several expenditures and reimbursements through the past year. She specified that the Legislature would be reimbursing $240,000 for part of the cost for the touch screen voting equipment. She advised that she is required to purchase additional voting machines to comply with State requirements. Commissioner Bowden commented on Mrs. Clem’s friendly, willing to help, and knowledgeable staff. Mrs. Clem was very proud of her staff. S–RR HERIFF OY AYMOND County Administrator Baird announced the proposed Sheriff’s budget as $37,711,676, a $4,286,964 increase over last year, most of which is attributable to the new jail opening and 70 new, mostly jail-related, employees. Sheriff Roy Raymond read a prepared statement to highlight the uniqueness of his office and the anticipated changes and expenses in the coming fiscal year. He stressed that the jail has been stretched to the limit and that the Sheriff’s office and jail operate 24-hours per day. Increase in population has added to patrolling costs and the larger jail means substantial increases in his budget, as well as higher gasoline costs. He gave information on the costs of hiring new officers and compared our pay rates with those of nearby counties’. Sheriff Raymond responded to questions from Commissioner Wheeler concerning overtime, off-duty jobs, and hiring new corrections officers. Frank Coffey found difficulty in following the Sheriff’s budget and questioned several points including merit increases, projected overtime budget, hospital costs, and suggested there is a need to look at reducing expenditures. July 13, 2005 15 Sheriff Raymond addressed Mr. Coffey’s questions and advised that a Citizens Review Committee had reviewed and endorsed his budget requests. Further questions of the Sheriff included information on the Federal prisoner housing possibilities and costs. The Commissioners agreed to County Administrator Baird’s suggestion to continue on the budget workshop agenda so they would not have to come back the next day. ENTERPRISE FUNDS SR HOOTING ANGE County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for the Shooting Range is $380,968, a $4,194 increase over last year. Commissioner Wheeler questioned the continued subsidization of the Gun Range and suggested two possible solutions: 1) having the Skeet Club run it on volunteer basis, or 2) give it to the State’s Fish and Wildlife. County Administrator Baird advised that it was anticipated that the County would have to pay for it for 3-5 years. Also, staff is looking at adding more stands for more events. Permitting is a problem because it is located within the Preserve. Also, the hurricanes caused a lot of damage. Commissioner Davis advocated expansion for sporting clays as a critical part of the shooting range. Frank Coffey submitted a chart on the shooting range for their consideration and commented on the shooting range’s deficits and the County’s subsidization. He suggested leasing it. July 13, 2005 16 GCM OLF OURSE AINTENANCE Regarding the Golf Course, County Administrator Baird advised there will be a rate increase of $2 in season and $1 in off season. Two vacant full-time positions have been cut and replaced with three part-time positions. The proposed budget is $3,196,097, down $246,138. BD UILDING EPARTMENT County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budget for the Building Department is $3,821,268. This budget is up $758,145 to include three new positions; there were nine positions added in mid-year. U TILITIES County Administrator Baird advised the proposed budget for Utilities Services is $29,245,230, down about $50,000. INTERNAL SERVICE FUNDS County Administrator Baird announced the proposed budgets for the following: Fleet Management in the amount of $2,739,377, up $217,606 mostly because of increased fuel costs; Self-Insurance Fund $6,662,259 (budgeted higher due to anticipated higher rates in insurance); and Health Insurance Fund $11,608,733, or $552,480 more than last year. CAPITAL PROJECT FUNDS County Administrator Baird explained the proposed budget for the Dodgertown Facility is in the amount of $500,000. Next, he advised the Shooting Range Construction is $20,000 for improvements for sporting clay shooting. The proposed budget for the Optional 1-Cent Sales Tax is $22,381,577 and the amounts for the included projects are listed on page 72. July 13, 2005 17 The proposed budget for the Gifford Road Improvement Fund is $2,500,000. This th fund is for improving the road in front of the Sheriff’s Office from west of 58 Avenue to US#1 in two phases. The proposed budget for the Homeless Assistance Center is $5,000; these are the remaining funds from a grant that must be kept separate. The proposed budget for the Old Fellsmere School is $100,000 and includes a return of the money to the City of Fellsmere. Frank Coffey distributed another handout, a chart on optional sales tax expenditures. He wanted to know how funding has been shifted from proposed use to cover other needs. He thought the public needed to know. County Administrator Baird estimated the new Administration Complex will be $47 million. The Jail expansion, second phase, is estimated at $20,500,000. Our revenue stream is stronger than projected so we will have a couple million dollars higher than projected. A possible cash flow concern in June 2006 is anticipated. Inter-fund borrowing and re- prioritization of projects may be necessary, in which case staff would come back to the Board. The joint venture with Indian River Community College for the library was good because it released $2.3 million back to us. Staff is analyzing where to find the money and will continue to try to cash-fund our capital projects. The same projects are being done. He then discussed a st stand-alone emergency operations center (EOC) out on 41 Street. Commissioner Davis wanted to talk about additional paving in Vero Lake Estates and specified that a lot of the builders are putting houses in these areas. County Administrator Baird asked if he wanted the County to do an assessment project there and explained some of the particulars. Staff will come back with more information. July 13, 2005 18 MOTION WAS MADE by Commissioner Bowden, SECONDED by Commissioner Davis, to approve the budget (millage set today) with the change (4% reduction across the board) in Children’s Services. A brief discussion was held about what changes could occur at the September budget hearings. Special thanks were expressed to staff for all their efforts in preparing the budget and keeping it down this year in the aftermath of the 2004 hurricanes. The Chairman CALLED THE QUESTION and the motion carried unanimously. Management and Budget Director Jason E. Brown announced that the first public hearing on the FY 2005/2006 budget would be held on September 7, 2005 at 5:01 p.m. (CLERK’S NOTE: ALL BUSINESS WAS COMPLETED IN THE ONE DAY AND THEREFORE A MEETING ON JULY 14, 2005 WAS NOT NECESSARY AND WAS NOT HELD.) ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION IS ON FILE IN THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AND IS HEREBY MADE A PART OF THESE MINUTES July 13, 2005 19 There being no further business, on Motion duly made, seconded and carried, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 p.m. ATTEST: _________________________________ ________________________________ Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman Minutes Approved: _________________ pr July 13, 2005 20