HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/7/2005
INDEX TO MINUTES OF BUDGET MEETING
OF BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2005
1.CALL TO ORDER........................................................................................ 1
2.INVOCATION ............................................................................................... 1
3.PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE...................................................................... 1
4.BUDGET OVERVIEW ................................................................................ 1
5.AD VALOREM FUNDS ............................................................................... 2
A.AVMAVB .................................................2
D ALOREM ILLAGE AND D ALOREM UDGET
1.GF ..........................................................................................................2
ENERAL UND
2.MSTU .........................................................................................................................7
3.TF .............................................................................................8
RANSPORTATION UND
4.ESD ...............................................................................9
MERGENCY ERVICES ISTRICT
5.ESLAB .................................... 10
NVIRONMENTALLY ENSITIVE AND CQUISITION OND
7.A ............................................................................................................. 11
GGREGATE
6.SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT BUDGET (NON-AD
VALOREM SPECIAL DISTRICT) ......................................................... 11
A.SWDDFY2005/2006PCB..................................... 11
ROPOSED HARGES AND UDGET
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 1
B.PC ................................................................................................. 11
UBLIC OMMENTS
C.CPA ....................................................... 12
ONSIDERATION OF ROPOSED MENDMENTS
D.ATN-AVAR ...................... 12
DOPTION OF ENTATIVE OND ALOREM SSESSMENT ATES
E.ATB ......................................................................... 12
DOPTION OF ENTATIVE UDGET
7.NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT CHARGES ............................... 12
A.PN-AVADCFY
ROPOSED OND ALOREM SSESSMENT ISTRICT HARGES FOR
2005/2006 ................................................................................................................ 12
B.PC ................................................................................................. 13
UBLIC OMMENTS
C.CPA–CR
ONSIDERATION OF ROPOSED MENDMENTS ALCULATION OF EVISED
C() ............................................................................................................... 13
HARGES
D.TCA .............................................................................. 14
ENTATIVE HARGES DOPTED
8.NON-AD VALOREM BUDGETS ............................................................ 14
A.FY2005/2006PBA .................................................. 14
ROPOSED UDGETS NNOUNCED
B.PC ................................................................................................. 14
UBLIC OMMENTS
C.CPA ....................................................... 14
ONSIDERATION OF ROPOSED MENDMENTS
D.TBA ................................................................................ 15
ENTATIVE UDGET DOPTED
9.A.ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME AND PLACE FOR FINAL
BUDGET HEARING .................................................................................. 15
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 2
September 7, 2005
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
INDIAN RIVER COUNTY
The Board of County Commissioners of Indian River County, Florida, met in the
th
County Commission Chambers, 1840 25 Street, Vero Beach, Florida, on Tuesday, September 7,
2005, at 5:01 p.m. to conduct the first public hearing on the FY 2005/2006 Budget. Present were
Chairman Thomas S. Lowther, Vice Chairman Arthur R. Neuberger, Commissioners Wesley S.
Davis, and Gary C. Wheeler. Commissioner Sandra L. Bowden was absent. Also present were
County Administrator Joseph A. Baird, County Attorney William G. Collins II, Executive Aide to
the Board Kimberly Massung, Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown, and Deputy Clerk
Patricia Ridgely.
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Lowther called the meeting to order.
2. INVOCATION
Public Works Director Jim Davis delivered the Invocation.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairman Lowther led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
4. BUDGET OVERVIEW
County Administrator Baird presented an overview of the budget for FY 2005-2006
totaling $324,455,156. He explained it is different from the July budget workshop because of two
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 1
things. He recommended waiting until next year before issuing the new bonds for property
acquisition. That would be equivalent to an approximately $2.6 million reduction in the proposed
budget and a reduction in the millage by 0.1922. Also, the budget for Children's Services has been
reduced by $50,000 (per the Board’s direction during the Budget Workshop in July). He pointed
out that last year’s overall budget was inflated because of Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne and he
highlighted some of the increases that would occur in the newly proposed budget. The major
reason for the increase is for 104 new employees, with 70 of them for the correctional facility
opening in July 2006. The budget includes 33 new BCC employees, 13 of which will be supported
by fees. Staff has tried to reduce the impact on the taxpayers.
Chairman Lowther advised that the Board would consider each fund separately.
5. AD VALOREM FUNDS
A. AVMAVB
D ALOREM ILLAGE AND D ALOREM UDGET
1. GF
ENERAL UND
Chairman Lowther read into the record that the proposed millage is 3.5204, 10.57%
above rollback, and the proposed budget is $76,032,377.
County Administrator Baird gave an overview of the general fund and commented
on the various increases and decreases.
The Chairman opened the floor for public comments.
Frank Coffey
, 1200 Admirals Walk, advised that he had raised several issues at the
Workshop, particularly with regard to the Sheriff’s budget and had received no answers. He posed
several questions about the Sheriff’s budget.
Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown, Sheriff Roy Raymond and County
Administrator Baird responded to Mr. Coffey’s questions regarding the jail expansion, its funding,
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 2
overtime, and wage increases but Mr. Coffey persisted in his questioning, saying that the public
has the right to know how their tax dollars are being used.
County Administrator Baird explained further, but Mr. Coffey continued to question
while insisting the public has the right to know.
Sheriff Raymond repeated his prior offer to go over every part of his budget with
Mr. Coffey and stated he had invited an individual from the Taxpayers Association to attend all the
budget reviews. He noted that the Citizens Review Committee meets regarding the Sheriff’s
budget and they have found the expenditures for the Sheriff’s Office to be reasonable.
Commissioner Wheeler believed we definitely need the first expansion, but the
process used to allocate the funding for the additional expansion was not done as well as it could
have been done. He felt the additional expansion was based on a spike in the jail population and
had not really been completely looked at by this Board. He understood Mr. Coffey’s concerns.
Sheriff Raymond repeated that Mr. Coffey has failed to take advantage of his
previous offers for explanations.
Additional discussion ensued.
Duane Weise
had prepared a chart comparing FY 2004/2005 to FY 2005/2006. He
had also read where Sebastian has cut their employee benefit program and suggested the County
consider doing a similar cut in benefits.
County Administrator Baird explained that the County must put together the budget
each year according to and as required by State law. He specified that the County’s budget is the
second largest and that the School Board is the largest and that not everyone pays into all five of
the municipal taxing districts. He explained also that Sebastian bid their benefits out because of a
large increase by their insurance provider and noted that sometimes newspapers have a problem
with math in their reporting. Although the County did not reach rollback, he specified that staff
made every attempt to do so. He also stated the County will look at benefits again in the next year
or two and recounted that the County is self-insured.
Mr. Weise’s
In response to suggestion to examine cost for postage, telephone, and
other recurring costs, County Administrator Baird explained that high costs in both items are due
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 3
to paying postage for all tax bills and Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown specified
we pay $300,000 for 911 telephone lines.
Mr. Weise’s
In response to suggestion to create a citizens board to work with staff
to try to save nickels and dimes, Chairman Lowther suggested he see Commissioner Wheeler
regarding such a committee.
Bob Johnson
inquired if staff thought next year’s budget will be at rollback. County
Administrator Baird explained why he thought we would not see that for the next several years
mainly because growth does not pay for itself. He pointed out that Indian River County has the
third lowest general fund millage in the state of Florida.
Director Brown corrected County Administrator Baird that we are the second
lowest.
Martha Willoughby
, 500 Riomar Drive, President of the Master Gardeners, urged
the Board to add a horticultural agent and specified that her group had already presented the
County with a “white paper” giving the particulars of funding and showing that such a position
would cost the County only $15,000. She believed the cost to be more than justified as compared
to the volunteer hours the Master Gardeners provide in service to the county residents.
County Administrator Baird and Director Brown responded to Commissioner
Neuberger’s inquiry if we had $15,000 to fund the position. They pointed out that the $15,000
does not include benefits and there had not been a request for this position from the department.
Mrs. Willoughby specified the volunteers were making the request, and County
Administrator Baird noted that the Ag Department followed his request to not increase the
department. He added that it was a hard decision but he felt we could not afford to do it this year.
Commissioner Davis commented he got more citizen input on this issue than
anything except the EMS department. He understood the need and noted that it does not seem like
much but he would like to hold off and look at adding the position next year.
Charlene Jarvis
questioned why Mr. Coffey does not spend the time with Sheriff
Raymond to find the answers to his questions. She supported the Sheriff’s Department because
she felt Indian River County is a safe place to live. In response to her question as to the high
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 4
reserve for contingency, County Administrator Baird explained the need for a contingency fund in
the aftermath of hurricane hits.
Joyce Johnston-Carlson
, Aerodrome, Vero Beach, spoke as a citizen, not an
employee, (Director of Human Services) regarding children’s services. She related the creation
and funding of the Children’s Services. She stated that some people had wanted to set up
Children’s Services as a taxing district. She was greatly concerned about the cut to this fund and
the needs of children of this county that are not being addressed. She is retiring from the County at
the end of November and she believed she would probably join other activists in asking for a
taxing district because she feels we are not doing enough for the kids. If we do not help the
children, it is good that we are building a bigger jail because that is where they will be.
Commissioner Neuberger stated that he would like to put the $50,000 put back into
the budget.
Chairman Lowther was opposed to that because the funds go to salaries, and Ms.
Johnston-Carlson responded that it is necessary to provide salaries for educated individuals who
are trained to take care of the specified needs of the children.
A discussion on creating a taxing district ensued with information on the process,
how many other children’s services taxing districts are in the state, and the past reasons for setting
up the funding for children’s services as it had been done.
Mr. Coffey
questioned the coordination between 2 of the 9 agencies that receive
money from the County and which also receive ½ million dollars from United Way. He also
questioned how the goals were set and why a number of the groups did not achieve their goals,
suggesting their goals may have been set too high.
Both County Administrator Baird and Ms. Johnston-Carlson responded to Mr.
Coffey’s questions advising of the methods used for coordination and audits performed.
Barbara Bromberg,
Sebastian, was trying to understand about the budget amounts
on the TRIM notice she received and the budget put forth at this meeting.
County Administrator Baird gave an explanation but Ms. Bromberg was still
somewhat confused on the relationships of the two processes.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 5
Bob Johnson,
Coralwind Subdivision, regarding Children’s Services, advised he
had served on the Children’s Services Advisory Committee’s Grant Review Committee and
explained the function and process of that committee on making recommendations on the
allocation of the funds. Some committee members thought certain health-related or school-related
programs should have been funded by the Hospital District and the School District.
Mrs. Johnston-Carlson
explained why certain programs were not funded as Mr.
Johnson suggested and that a major problem in the county is the lack of mental health programs for
children in families considered to be in the low income category.
Discussion ensued on this topic.
There were no other speakers and the Chairman closed the public comment.
Commissioner Neuberger MOVED to restore $50,000 to the Children’s Services
budget. The motion DIED because there was no second.
Commissioner Neuberger MOVED to add $15,000 to the proposed budget to have a
Horticultural Agent. The motion DIED because there was no second.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
by Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative millage (3.5204) for the General Fund.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
by Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative budget ($76,032,377) for the General Fund.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 6
Chairman Lowther called a brief recess at 6:43 P.M. The Chairman reconvened the
meeting at 6:53 P.M. with the same Commissioners and staff present.
2. MSTU
Chairman Lowther read the proposed millage and budget into the record.
County Administrator Baird explained the increase was mainly due to law
enforcement personnel and was related to the transportation fund. He also responded to the logic
of placement since Commissioner Neuberger thought these expenses were not logical in this part
of the budget.
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment.
Mr. Coffey
questioned the expenses and income of the North County and Gifford
Pools as well as the operating costs in the recreation department.
Director Brown explained how income is tracked on a monthly report, but
expenditures are hard to separate because staff is often shifted from one pool to another depending
on needs. He advised that revenues currently fund between 25%-30% of the budget.
County Administrator Baird pointed out that shifting staff was especially true this
year because the beaches were closed which put lifeguards at the pools. They did not fill part-time
vacancies but kept full-time employees at the pools.
Bob Johnson
wondered at what point the North County Pool would become an
enterprise operation, and County Administrator Baird specified that by definition an enterprise
operation must get 100% from fees. The 20-25% revenue for the pool covers the operating
expense of the pool.
Chairman Lowther believed the pool would eventually be able to sustain itself.
Commissioner Davis asked the status of implementing sporting clay stations for the
Shooting Range, and County Administrator Baird stated it was being held up by the environmental
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 7
agency. County Administrator Baird stated it was always anticipated we would have sporting
clays.
Ms. Bromberg
commented that the hours for the Shooting Range are prohibitive,
and County Administrator Baird explained there was lighting system damage from the hurricanes
and the hours are to keep the shooters cooler during the summer hours.
General Services Director Tom Frame explained we are trying to get help regarding
the environmental issues.
There were no other speakers and the Chairman closed the public comment.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
BY Commissioner Wheeler, the Board unanimously (by a
vote of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative millage ( 1.3969) for the M.S.T.U.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
BY Commissioner Wheeler, the Board unanimously (by a
vote of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative budget ($27,260,610) for the M.S.T.U.
3. TF
RANSPORTATION UND
County Administrator Baird gave details about the transportation fund budget and
explained the increases.
Chairman Lowther commented on intersection labeling on roads that he saw in
Gulfport after Hurricane Katrina and how it was of great help to out of town post-hurricane help.
He asked if we are working on that here, and County Administrator Baird responded that he had
talked with Traffic Engineering and that labeling would be part of striping and paving monies.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 8
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment, but upon seeing none, he closed
the public comment period on the Transportation Fund.
ON MOTION by Vice Chairman Neuberger, SECONDED
BY Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a
vote of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative budget ($15,675,888) for the Transportation Fund.
4. ESD
MERGENCY ERVICES ISTRICT
Chairman Lowther read the proposed millage and the proposed budget amount.
County Administrator Baird explained the $3 million increase was mainly for
contingency and referred to the fund for rebuilding the fire stations damaged by the two hurricanes
and 4 new positions.
In response to Chairman Lowther’s inquiry regarding a mechanic, County
Administrator Baird specified that they are hoping to hire a certified mechanic. And in response to
Chairman Lowther’s concern about a freeze on spending, County Administrator Baird assured him
that there was no freeze on maintenance of equipment but it was initiated to minimize end of
budget year spending due to hurricane costs.
The Chairman opened the floor to public comment.
Bob Johnson
inquired about the 4 additional personnel added before the
consolidation, and County Administrator Baird explained the County needs additional people for
ladder truck safety and a mechanic. Consolidation costs are in the contingency along with
rebuilding of the fire stations. A plan for consolidation has not yet been finalized.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 9
In response to Commissioner Wheeler, County Administrator Baird stated that the
plan is to eliminate positions by attrition. He anticipates there will be a budget savings down the
road but we will not see one initially.
There were no other speakers and the Chairman closed the public comment.
ON MOTION BY Commissioner Davis, SECONDED by
Commissioner Wheeler, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative millage (1.9911) for the Emergency Services
District.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Wheeler, SECONDED by
Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote of
4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the tentative
budget ($26,108,023) for the Emergency Services District.
5. ESLAB
NVIRONMENTALLY ENSITIVE AND CQUISITION OND
Chairman Lowther announced the proposed millage rate and proposed budget.
County Administrator Baird specified that this item would be just continuing to pay
the existing bond debt.
The Chairman opened the floor for public comment, but upon seeing none, he closed
the public comment period.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
by Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 10
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative millage of 0.1789 for the Environmentally
Sensitive Land Acquisition Bond fund.
ON MOTION by Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
by Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative budget of $2,445,071 for the Environmentally
Sensitive Land Acquisition Bond fund.
6. LAB–2004R
AND CQUISITION ONDS EFERENDUM
County Administrator Baird recounted that we will not be instituting the bond issue
this years and, therefore, there will be 0 millage on the tax bills.
7. A
GGREGATE
Chairman Lowther read into the record the aggregate proposed millage rate is
5.9809 and that no action is required.
6. SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL DISTRICT BUDGET (NON-AD
VALOREM SPECIAL DISTRICT)
A. SWDDFY2005/2006PCB
ROPOSED HARGES AND UDGET
Chairman Lowther announced the proposed charges and budget.
County Administrator Baird responded to Commissioner Neuberger’s question on
what constitutes a WGU (Waste Generation Unit).
B.PC
UBLIC OMMENTS
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 11
There were no public comments.
C.CPA
ONSIDERATION OF ROPOSED MENDMENTS
There were no amendments proposed.
D.ATN-AVAR
DOPTION OF ENTATIVE OND ALOREM SSESSMENT ATES
ON MOTION by Commissioner Davis, SECONDED by
Commissioner Wheeler, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Rates for the
SWDD. (see page 3 of the agenda)
E.ATB
DOPTION OF ENTATIVE UDGET
ON MOTION by Vice Chairman Neuberger, SECONDED
by Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative budget ($11,646,063) for the Solid Waste
Disposal District.
7. NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT CHARGES
Chairman Lowther asked Management & Budget Director Jason E. Brown to read
the list of assessment charges.
A. PN-AVADC
ROPOSED OND ALOREM SSESSMENT ISTRICT HARGES
FY2005/2006
FOR
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 12
1. Vero Lake Estates M.S.B.U. $19.00
2. East Gifford Stormwater M.S.B.U. $15.00
3. Gifford Street Lighting District $21.00
4. Laurelwood Street Lighting District $18.00
5. Rockridge Street Lighting District $13.00
6. Vero Highlands Street Lighting District $23.00
7. Porpoise Point Street Lighting District $15.00
8. Laurel Court Street Lighting District $25.00
9. Tierra Linda Street Lighting District $24.00
10. Vero Shores Street Lighting District $21.00
11. Ixora Park Street Lighting District $19.00
12. Royal Poinciana Street Lighting District $28.00
13. Roseland Road Street Lighting District $ 2.00
14. Whispering Pines Street Lighting District $19.00
15. Moorings Street Lighting District $14.00
16. Walker’s Glen Street Lighting District $25.00
17. Glendale Lakes Street Lighting District $38.00
18. Floralton Beach Street Lighting District $29.00
B.PC
UBLIC OMMENTS
There were no public comments.
C.CPA–C
ONSIDERATION OF ROPOSED MENDMENTS ALCULATION OF
RC()
EVISED HARGES
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 13
There were no proposed amendments.
D.TCA
ENTATIVE HARGES DOPTED
ON MOTION by Commissioner Davis, SECONDED by
Commissioner Neuberger, the Board unanimously (by a
vote of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative Non-Ad-Valorem Assessment Charges as listed
above.
8.NON-AD VALOREM BUDGETS
Director Brown read the proposed budgets aloud at the request of Chairman
Lowther.
A.FY2005/2006PBA
ROPOSED UDGETS NNOUNCED
1. Housing Authority $ 176,509
2. Special Revenue Funds $72,552,623
3. Other Debt Service Fund $ 1,246,233
4. Capital Projects $27,506,577
5. Enterprise Funds $42,794,813
6. Internal Service Funds $21,010,369
B.PC
UBLIC OMMENTS
There were no public comments.
C.CPA
ONSIDERATION OF ROPOSED MENDMENTS
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 14
There were no proposed amendments.
D.TBA
ENTATIVE UDGET DOPTED
ON MOTION BY Commissioner Neuberger, SECONDED
by Commissioner Davis, the Board unanimously (by a vote
of 4-0, Commissioner Bowden absent) adopted the
tentative Non-Ad Valorem Budgets as listed above.
9.A. ANNOUNCEMENT OF TIME AND PLACE FOR FINAL
BUDGET HEARING
Chairman Lowther announced that the Final Budget Hearing would be held at 5:01
P.M. on Wednesday, September 14, 2005, at the County Administration Building, Commission
Chambers, 1840 25th Street, Vero Beach, Florida.
ALL BACKUP DOCUMENTATION 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
Board adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 15
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ________________________________
Jeffrey K. Barton, Clerk Thomas S. Lowther, Chairman
Minutes Approved: _________________
BCC/PR/2005 Minutes
SEPTEMBER 7, 2005 16